Abstract: A solid fuel briquet, such as a charcoal briquet for cooking, which displays selected ignition and burn characteristics over a variety of shapes and compositions, as well as a method for forming such a briquet, are provided. The briquet is defined by an ignition phase of less than about 18 minutes, preferably less than about 15 minutes and a burn phase of greater than about 35 minutes, preferably 40 minutes and most preferably 45 minutes, with respect to any desired briquet shape. The briquet is made by predensifying a coal portion of the briquet into pellets. The pellets are then blended with wood char and any other optional ingredients and compacted into briquets. The resulting briquet contains dense coal regions, surrounded by regions of char and any adjunct briquet ingredients.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous, hard surface cleaner with significantly improved residue removal and substantially reduced filming/streaking, said cleaner comprising:(a) an effective amount of at least one organic solvent with a vapor pressure of at least 0.001 mm Hg at 25.degree. C., and mixtures of such solvents;(b) an effective amount of at least one semi-polar nonionic surfactant, said surfactant having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.5-20 alkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are both C.sub.1-4 alkyl, ##STR2## or --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --OH, although R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 do not have to be equal, and n is 1-5, and p is 1-6;(c) an effective amount of a buffering system which comprises a nitrogenous buffer which will result in a pH of greater than 6.5; and(d) the remainder as substantially all water.

Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions and methods of use are disclosed with a thickening agent including an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant forming about 0.1 to about 10% by wt. of the composition, about 0.1-5.0% by wt. of a cothickening surfactant comprising an alkali metal fatty acid sulfate and/or an alkoxylated alkylphenol sulfate salt, a solvent selected from the class consisting of terpene derivatives including a functional group and tertiary alcohols forming about 0.01 to about 10% by wt. of the composition and an electrolyte component in an amount effective for enhancing thickening effects of the alkyl ether sulfate surfactant and solvent. The electrolyte component preferably includes an alkali metal hypochlorite, more preferably at least one additional multivalent electrolyte, and most preferably sodium carbonate. With the electrolyte component including a hypochlorite, additional electrolytes and the solvent are selected to be bleach stable, the solvent also preferably being a fragrance for the composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a gelled hypochlorite-based cleaner in which stability is achieved by reducing or minimizing the ionic strength of the cleaner, comprising:(a) a cross-linked polyacrylate polymer;(b) an amount of an bleach-stable surfactant sufficient, in combination with said polyacrylate polymer, to result in a gel;(c) an effective amount of a source of hypochlorite, which has an ionic strength below about 5M; and(d) the balance, water.

Abstract: A walking aid or crutch which includes a vertical support member which preferably incorporates a shock-absorbing means therein, and a forearm support, angularly mounted on the vertical support member over an angular range of about 25 to 89 degrees from the vertical to optimize weight distribution and user comfort. The forearm support comprises a linearly disposed forearm cradle and a handle, to further optimize weight distribution, stability and user comfort. The handle may be angled inward toward the center line of the body so that the user's forearm is pronated about five degrees, with weight distributed along the ulnar edge of the forearm adjacent to the elbow joint, and the ulnar border of the hand (fifth metacarpal) is also pronated about five degrees as the fingers engage the support arm handle. The handle may also have a downward angle (in the direction of motion) to create an ulnar deviation of about fifteen degrees beginning at the wrist joint as the hand engages the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is a granular colorant speckle exhibiting reduced colorant spotting, the speckle which comprises:(a) an insoluble dispersible carrier;(b) a surfactant; and(c) a substantive agent.The present invention also discloses a method for forming a colorant speckle suitable for use as a granular laundry detergent component, or a laundry additive. The speckle of the present invention is preferably produced by an agglomeration process utilizing, for example, a fluid-bed or rotary falling curtain type agglomerator.

Abstract: The invention provides a high water liquid enzyme prewash composition essentially free of hydrotropes, solvents and dispersants other than nonionic surfactants, and combines: a) effective amounts of a hydrolase enzyme stabilized with a soluble alkaline earth salt; b) a more hydrophilic, first nonionic surfactant having an HLB of greater than about 11; c) a more hydrophobic, second nonionic surfactant having an HLB of less than or equal to about 11; d) at least 80% or greater water; wherein the difference in HLB between said first and second nonionic surfactants is at least about 2, and said nonionic surfactants interact with said water to form an opalescent, structured liquid, said structured liquid both suspending said hydrolase and protecting said hydrolase against deactivation with said water. Suitable adjuncts, such as mildewstats/bacteristats, fragrances and dyes can be included.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous, hard surface cleaner with significantly improved residue removal and substantially reduced filming/streaking, said cleaner comprising:(a) an effective amount of at least one organic solvent with a vapor pressure of at least 0.001 mm Hg at 25.degree. C., and mixtures of such solvents;(b) an effective amount of at least one semi-polar nonionic surfactant, said surfactant having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.5-20 alkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are both C.sub.1-4 alkyl, ##STR2## or --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --OH, although R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 do not have to be equal, and n is 1-5, and p is 1-6;(c) an effective amount of a buffering system which comprises a nitrogenous buffer which will result in a pH of greater than 6.5; and(d) the remainder as substantially all water.

Abstract: A walking aid or crutch which comprises a vertical support member which preferrably incorporates a shock-absorbing means therein, and a forearm support, angularly mounted on the vertical support member over an angular range of about 25 to 89 degrees from the vertical to optimize weight distribution and user comfort. The forearm support comprises a linearly adjustable forearm cradle and a handle, to further optimize weight distribution, stability and user comfort. The handle may be angled inward toward the center line of the body so that the user's forearm is pronated about five degrees, with weight distributed along the ulnar edge of the forearm adjacent to the elbow joint, and the ulnar border of the hand (fifth metacarpal) is also pronated about five degrees as the fingers engage the support arm handle. The handle may also have a downward angle (in the direction of motion) to create an ulnar deviation of about fifteen degrees beginning at the wrist joint as the hand engages the handle.

Abstract: A method of making a hard surface abrasive scouring cleanser, in steps comprising making an aqueous solution of nonionic surfactant and pH adjusting agent; making a slurry of water and a calcium carbonate abrasive, and allowing the slurry to degas; adding the slurry of to the aqueous solution slowly with gentle mixing and allowing the resultant mixture to degas; and adding a quantity of cross-linked polyacrylate and any other adjunct ingredients. The cleanser has no significant syneresis, undue viscosity or yield stress increase, stably suspends abrasives, and has excellent rinsing characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a phase stable, thickened aqueous abrasive cleanser and a method for preparing it, said cleanser comprising:a) an effective amount of a cross-linked polyacrylate;b) an effective amount of at least one bleach-stable surfactant;c) an effective amount of a low salt, high purity hypochlorite;d) an effective amount of a pH-adjusting agent;e) an effective amount of abrasive; andf) the remainder as water.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous, hard surface cleaner with significantly improved residue removal and substantially reduced filming/streaking, said cleaner comprising:(a) an effective amount of at least one organic solvent with a vapor pressure of at least 0.001 mm Hg at 25.degree. C., and mixtures of such solvents;(b) an effective amount of at least one semi-polar nonionic surfactant, said surfactant having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.5-20 alkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are both C.sub.1-4 alkyl, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --OH, although R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 do not have to be equal, and p is 1-6;(c) an effective amount of a buffering system which comprises a nitrogenous buffer which will result in a pH of greater than 6.5; and(d) the remainder as substantially all water.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous fluids includes a housing having a hanger assembly for suspending a collapsible bag with a dispenser outlet extending from an opening at the bottom of the housing, and a pair of rollers riding in parallel pairs of slots vertically extending in opposite sides of the housing. The rollers form a nip for receiving the collapsible bag whereby the rollers jointly doctor or extrude fluid in the bag toward the dispenser outlet at a substantially constant delivery rate in response to operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning agent and method for removing stains from fabrics comprising a combination of dense gas, a source of hydrogen peroxide and an organic bleach activator therefor.

Abstract: A label is formed onto packaging substrate and has a differential release coupon portion formed integrally therein. The packaging substrate is generally a label substrate such as a plastic, metal foil or paper as known in the art. The differential release coupon is defined by a tear outline consisting of a first arcuate section comprising a continuous radius cut; a second section comprising a plurality of overlapping, outwardly extending herringbone cuts defining a first taper; a third section comprising a plurality of straight cuts; a fourth section comprising overlapping vertical hash cuts defining a second taper; and transition cuts intermediate to the second and third sections and intermediate to the third and fourth sections. The tear pattern results in a coupon which is easily released in a single motion, and which leaves the remaining label intact, preserving valuable product information. The coupon is of a size and shape to facilitate redemption and handling by retail personnel.