Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a convenient to carry fabric treatment applicator comprising a chelating agent and a radical scavenger and preferably a bleach, which allows for gentle fabric treatment which does not require post-treatment, like rinsing. Claimed and described is a fabric treatment applicator comprising an application device and a fabric treatment composition, the fabric treatment composition comprising a radical scavenger and a chelating agent. Further claimed and described is the use of a fabric treatment composition comprising a radical scavenger and a chelating agent for no rinse fabric treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: A process for coating laundry detergent or cleaning product tablets that contain builder(s) and also, if desired, further laundry detergent and cleaning product ingredients, by transporting the tablets on a conveyor belt provided with a multiplicity of apertures and forcing coating material through the conveyor belt apertures from below with a force such that the coating material forced over the conveying plane forms a surge through which the tablets are transported.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a tablet, especially a detergent tablet, which includes at least one first and one second layer. The method comprises the following steps: (a) introducing a first metered quantity of a first particulate composition into a molding cavity of a tablet press; (b) compacting the first metered quantity with a first mold pressure by means of a molding punch that has at least one convexity on its pressing surface, to produce a first compacted layer that has one or more respective indentations in its upper surface that corresponds to a convexity/convexities on the molding punch; (c) introducing a second metered quantity of a second particulate composition into the molding cavity of the tablet press on top of the first compacted layer; and (d) compacting the second metered quantity with a second mold pressure by means of a molding punch, to produce a second compacted layer with one or more respective indentations in its upper surface.

Abstract: A detergent bar is made by (1) applying pressure to a detergent composition to deliver it to a substantially closed mold at a temperature less than 70° C.; (2) ensuring the pressure on the composition at point of entry is greater than 29.4 psi under the action of an injector head for at least part of the time over which the composition enters the mold; (3) cooling in the mold to form bar; and (4) removing.

Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention is a water-soluble copolymer film comprising a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and a second monomer, the resultant polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of hydrolysis, expressed as a percentage of vinyl acetate units converted to vinyl alcohol units, of from about 90% to 100%. The second monomer is preferably selected from the group of monomers having carboxylate functionality or sulfonate functionality. The resulting water-soluble copolymer film is disclosed for use in making pouches to contain a unit dose of liquid detergent, such as a liquid laundry detergent. However, it is an aspect of the copolymer film that film solubility is not significantly affected adversely by the detergent. Such film produces pouches having a greater storage shelf-life over prior art water-soluble film.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising a first phase in adhesive contact with one or more second phases, and wherein at least the first phase is in the form of a compressed particulate solid incorporating a cogranulated detergency additive composition comprising polymeric polycarboxylate and inorganic carrier. The multi-phase tablets provide improved interphase adhesivity, robustness and strength together with excellent dissolution and cleaning characteristics.

Abstract: A method for providing multi-phase cleaning and washing agent shaped bodies is provided. A particulate premix ix compressed to form a shaped body containing a cavity and the cavity is filled with a molten suspension or emulsion of a matrix material with a melting point above 30% and at least one active material dispersed or suspended in the matrix material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for use in a washing machine. The composition is characterised by a base composition that becomes active essentially during the main wash cycle of the washing machine; and by at least one particle with at least one core which contains at least one substance which becomes active essentially during the rinse cycles of the washing machine and with a coating which essentially fully encloses the core(s) and contains at least one compound whose solubility increases as the concentration of a specific compound in the surrounding medium decreases. The invention provides for means that prevent a significant dissolution of the coating or a significant detachment of the coating from the core(s) until the rinse cycles have begun. The invention also relates to a method for carrying out a wash cycle in a washing machine using the inventive composition.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising a first phase in adhesive contact with one or more second phases, at least one second phase being in the form of a compressed particulate solid incorporating liquid adhesive and having an average porosity of less than about 0.15 ml/g. The liquid adhesive is preferably selected from polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight in the range from about 200 to about 700 and is preferably applied by post-addition to the particulate solid prior to compression. The multi-phase tablets provide improved interphase adhesivity, robustness and strength together with excellent dissolution and cleaning characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet having at least a first and a second layer, whereby the first layer is softer than the second layer, and if said tablet has more than two layers, the tablet is such that a softer layer is situated at an end of the tablet to increase the integrity and robustness of the entire tablet during production, shipping and handling while keeping substantially good dispensing properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet comprising a core and a coating, the core having a diametral fracture stress of less than 15 kPa, and the core comprising a non-gelling binder, wherein the coated detergent tablet has a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a detergent tablet having a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa, the tablet giving less than 18 g residue at the end of the washing machine cycle under stressed test, the stressed test consisting of three tablets, each tablet weighing 60 g, being placed in the bottom of the drum of a Miele® W831 washing machine, 2.5 kg of mixed fabric load being placed in the drum on top of the tablets, and the machine being run using a “whites/colors” short cycle of 30° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent is provided. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: A solid-shaped detergent comprising particles for detergent, wherein the particles have a dissolution rate of 90% or more, under conditions where the particles are supplied in water at 5° C.; stirred for 60 seconds under the stirring conditions that 1 g of the particles are supplied to a 1-L beaker having an inner diameter of 105 mm which is charged with 1 L of hard, water having 71.

Abstract: This invention concerns a molded part containing a molded part shell and a molded part content, where the molded body shell contains at least one film-forming polymer, that has been selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives. Preferably the polyvinyl alcohol derivative is a polyvinyl acetal described in EP 771 329. The molded part according to the invention can be used as a primary and/or secondary packing agent. The molded part shell features cumulative positive features such as increases maximum elongation values, odor and taste neutrality, good thermoplastic processing capabilities and excellent biological degradation. The processing of the composition is advantageous to capsules with single-piece shells containing a detergent composition as the molded part content.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a particulate solid compressed within the mould. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tablet formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising a surfactant and a highly soluble compound, the highly soluble compound having a cohesive effect on the particulate material. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing an aqueous solution of a laundry detergent for use in a washing machine, wherein the aqueous solution of laundry detergent is formed by dissolving in water a tablet formed by compressing a particulate material, the tablet comprising a surfactant and a highly soluble compound, the highly soluble compound having a cohesive effect on the particulate material.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a particulate solid compressed within the mould. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed body adhesively contained within the mould, wherein the tablet composition comprises one or more detergent actives which is predominantly concentrated in the second phase, and wherein the second phase additionally comprises a binder. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising i) a compressed solid body portion having therein at least one mould in said compressed solid body portion; and ii) at least one non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion mounted in said at least one mould of said compressed solid body portion, having an area of B, said at least one non-compressed, non-encapulating portion comprising at least one detergent active; wherein surface area of said detergent tablet, excluding area of said at least one mould, is A; and wherein further ratio of B to A is from about 1:50 to about 4:1, by area.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed body adhesively contained within the mould, and wherein the second phase comprises an enzyme. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed, body adhesively contained within the mould, wherein the tablet composition comprises one or more detergent actives which is predominantly concentrated in the second phase, and wherein the second phase additionally comprises a disrupting agent. The multi-phases tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: Detergent tablets for use in fabric washing are made by mixing: (i) particles which contain non-soap organic surfactant and other materials, especially detergency builder, with (ii) material which is other than soap or organic surfactant and which has a solubility in water of at least 10 gm/liter at 20° C., followed by compacting the mixture into a tablet or a region of a tablet using an applied pressure in a range from 3.0 to 35 MPa. Such a pressure, used with the specified mixture, leads to tablets with good strength which also disintegrates with satisfactory speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: A process for making a detergent tablet by forming a disintegrating agent by compacting cellulose or a cellulose derivative, forming disintegrating agent particles comprising the disintegrating agent, dry mixing a washing- or cleaning-active substance and an amount of the disintegrating agent particles effective to rapidly dissolve or disperse the composition in water, and shaping the resulting mixture into a tablet. The disintegrating agent particles have a particle size distribution of less than 10% by weight smaller than about 0.2 mm particle size and no more than 1% by weight of dust-fine particles.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-particulate laundry detergent comprises the steps of providing a powdered porous carrier material, adsorbing a perfume onto the powdered porous carrier material, and depositing the powdered porous carrier material having adsorbed perfume on the non-particulate detergent product. In another aspect of the invention, a process for producing a non-particulate detergent product having a perfume loaded carrier material coating includes the step of providing a non-particulate detergent composition having an electrically conductive surface. The process further includes grounding the electrically conductive surface of the non-particulate detergent composition. Still further, the process includes providing an electrostatically chargeable carrier material having a perfume adsorbed therein.

Abstract: Detergent tablet of compacted particulate composition containing; (a) particles which contain organic surfactant together with detergency builder, and (b) water-insoluble but water-swellable particles of plant material which contain both cellulose and lignin, obtainable by fragmentation of plant material without separation of its fibres into a liquid dispersion. Also provided is process of making this tablet which comprises mixing water-insoluble, water-swellable disintegration-promoting material as defined above with other particulate ingredients so as to form a particulate detergent composition and compacting a quantity of the particulate composition in a mold so that it forms a tablet or a region of a tablet. The detergent tablets exhibit good disintegration together with adequate mechanical strength.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising (a) a compressed solid body portion having at least one mold in said compressed solid body portion; (b) a non-compressed, gelatinous portion mounted in said at least one mold of said compressed solid body portion, said gelatinous portion comprising a thickening system and at least one detergent active; and wherein said non-compressed, gelatinous portion has either a yield strength of from about 5 to about 80 Pa, or has an average viscosity of from about 100 to about 12000 cP before said non-compressed, gelatinous portion is mounted in said at least one mold.

Abstract: A solid cast detergent product containing an active chlorine source is disclosed. Methods of manufacture and of use are also disclosed for the solid cast detergent product containing an active chlorine source.

Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating granules containing acetate (sodium acetate and/or potassium acetate) along with at least one other ingredient. Such tablets are provided, as are, methods of making the granules.

Abstract: Detergent compositions in the form of tablets used in fabric washing which incorporate most of the surfactants in particles which constitute a substantial part but not all the composition of the tablet. The organic surfactant in this particles provides a substantial part but not all of the weight of the particles. The mixture of anionic and nonionic detergent surfactants is employed wherein anionic is clearly in the majority. The balance of the composition contains a substantial proportion of material other than organic surfactant which is water-soluble.

Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.

Abstract: A process for preparing a detergent tablet comprises the steps of compressing a composition comprising an active detergent component to form a compressed portion and delivering a composition comprising an active detergent component in the form of a solid, liquid or gel to the compressed portion to form a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprises: (a) a compressed solid body portion having at least one mold in the compressed body portion; and (b) a non-compressed, gelatinous portion integrally mounted in the mold of the compressed body portion, wherein the gelatinous portion comprising a thickening system and at least one detergent active. The thickening system preferably includes a non-aqueous diluent and a gelling agent and the detergent active is preferably selected from the group consisting of enzymes, surfactants, effervescing agents, bleaching agents, silver care agents, builders;, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Shaped bodies containing builders, alkali sources, bleaching agents, enzymes and surfactants. Particularly high-performance detersive shaped bodies with high stability in storage, a good perfume profile and a defined solubility profile are obtained if more than 80% by weight of the total content of an active substance (1) containing a constituent from the group of soil-release compounds is present in a region which makes up no more than 40% by volume of the shaped body.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprises a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion wherein the compressed portion comprises a mould and dissolves at a faster rate than the non-compressed portion on a weight by weight basis, measured using the SOTAX dissolution test method, and the non-compressed portion is at least partially retained within the mould.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising a non-compressed, gelatinous portion, wherein the gelatinous portion comprising a thickening system and at least one detergent active. The thickening system preferably includes a non-aqueous diluent and a gelling agent and the detergent active is preferably selected from the group consisting of enzymes, surfactants, effervescing agents, bleaching agents, silver care agents, builders, and mixtures thereof. The non-compressed, gelatinous portion, may contain one, two or a plurality of non-compressed, gelatinous portions, all of which comprise a thickening system and at least one detergent active.

Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium acetate or a mixture thereof. To inhibit caking and facilitate handling during manufacture, smaller particles of another substance are preferably provided at the surface of the crystals of the acetate or citrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: Detergent tablets containing a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion comprising a perfume component. The non-compressed portion preferably dissolves at a faster rate than the compressed portion, which preferably contains a bleaching agent. A process for preparing the detergent tablet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tablet comprising a combination of a means for providing effervescency upon contact with water, as well as a soluble salt selected from the group consisting of acetate, urea, and mixtures thereof is disclosed. The means for providing effervescence upon contact with water preferably comprises citric acid and a carbonate salt, such as a bicarbonate salt. Also disclosed is a process for making tablets according to the present invention.

Abstract: Partially coated laundry detergent and cleaning product tablets having advantageous properties such as high hardnesses without adverse effect on short disintegration times and high resistance to edge fracture are achieved with relatively small amounts of coating agents if the coating covers only mechanically sensitive parts of the tablets.

Abstract: A process for the production of detergent tablets containing surfactants, builders and optionally other detergent ingredients. To produce the tablets, particulate detergent compositions containing 5 to 20% by weight of an overdried amorphous silicate, 0.5 to 10% by weight of polyethylene glycol and 1 to 15% by weight of water or aqueous solutions, based on the weight of the tablet formed, are tabletted under pressure. Despite low tabletting pressures, the process according to the invention gives tablets combining high fracture resistance and stability in storage with excellent dissolving behavior.

Abstract: A compacted granulate and a method for making the same, comprises 60-99 wt.-% of a water-insoluble, water-swellable cellulose and optionally at least one water-swellable polysaccharide derivative, 1-40 wt.-% of at least one polymeric binder of a polymer or a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and/or salts thereof, and at least one liquid surfactant, in which the granulate has a water content of from 2 to 8 wt.-%.

Abstract: A tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition containing at least one cleaning ingredient which is an organic surfactant, a water softening agent or a bleach, wherein the tablet or a discrete region of the tablet contains water-insoluble, water-swellable disintegration-promoting particles which are cellulosic material from a plant source other than timber. The invention also provides a tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition containing at least one cleaning ingredient which is an organic surfactant, a water softening agent or a bleach, wherein the tablet or a discrete region of the tablet contains disintegration-promoting particles of coconut husk material.

Abstract: A cleaning composition in solid state comprises a gas-releasing component as a cleaning agent, a solubility control component to limit the solubility of the cleaning composition, an alkalinity agent as a pH regulator, and optionally a water softener.

Abstract: Bull's-eye tablets in which both the shaped body per se and the lands surrounding the bull's-eye are mechanically stable and even lend themselves to production in modern high-throughput tablet presses and in which the core placed in the larger shaped body is joined to the tablet in a stable manner and does not separate from the tablet matrix during production, packaging, transportation and handling can be obtained if the contour line of the core falls from the edge zone to the lowest point and climbs back to the edge zone.