Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.

Abstract: Light duty lubricant compositions containing volatile silicones are prepared which when applied to metal surfaces show improved penetration and spreadability. Preferably, the composition includes a volatile silicone fluid, a hydrocarbon solvent such as mineral spirits, a lubricating oil soluble in a hydrocarbon base such as hydrocarbon oils and optionally a corrosion inhibitor such as petroleum oxidates. An aerosol propellant is contained in one preferred embodiment of the light duty lubricant composition. In an additional preferred embodiment, a method of freeing frozen or corroded parts with a light duty lubricant composition is disclosed.

Abstract: Concentrated liquid glass and window cleaning compositions are disclosed containing high levels of solvents and exhibiting improved cleaning performance and homogeneity in solution. A preferred formulation includes sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, a glycol ether solvent mixture and water and other optional ingredients to provide a concentrated cleaning composition which can be diluted by the end user to desired strength. Another preferred embodiment discloses a method of using a concentrated liquid glass and window cleaning composition.

Abstract: A high viscosity gel-type anhydrous makeup remover composition is disclosed. The composition comprises polyethylene, polyethylene copolymer and a gelable oil base, which base can be comprised of a mixture of mineral oils and branched natural or branched synthetic esters, or a mixture of just branched natural or branched synthetic esters. In some embodiments the composition further includes branched non-ionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactants with at least a 20 carbon branched chain, a preservative mixture and a mixture of natural oils.

Abstract: The dispensability of granular detergent compositions is enhanced by applying to granular detergent compositions comprising at least one detergent builder a liquified intimate mixture comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, at least one fatty acid and at least one fatty alcohol.

Abstract: A method for producing a granular, powdered detergent comprising combining a first portion of a flowable powder detergent builder with a liquid surfactant, followed by addition of an effective amount of a finely divided barrier particle material to the first portion of builder and liquid surfactant. The resulting blend is then combined with a second portion of flowable powder detergent builder, such that the first portion of detergent builder comprises from about 10% to about 90% of the total amount of detergent builder in the resulting composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for and method of producing a supplemental dietary fiber fortified fructose-based chewy confection which can be stabilized to produce a long textured taffy-like candy or a short textured nougat-like candy, which confection has an acceptable mouthfeel and exhibits a reduced adherence to a consumer's teeth through incorporation of a unique emulsifier blend.

Abstract: Concentrated high active-cleaning compositions are prepared which exhibit excellent cleaning performance, dispersibility and homogeneity in solution. The compositions of the present invention include a nonionic surfactant such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates and alkyl polyglycosides and an amide cosurfactant such as fatty acid dialkanolamides. Optional ingredients can be included such as a secondary surfactant, a pH control agent, a hydrotrope, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, denaturing agents and the like. In one preferred embodiment, the high actives cleaning composition is used as a detergent base. A method is also disclosed for use of a detergent base. In another preferred embodiment, the concentrated cleaning composition is diluted by the end user to a desired strength for specific cleaning purposes. A method is also disclosed for use of the concentrated cleaning composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonionic loaded powder detergent composition which is free-flowing and is manufactured and agglomerated in a single operation. The free-flowing agglomerated powder detergent composition is produced by mixing sodium carbonate, a di- or tricarboxylic acid and a nonionic surfactant to form a nonaqueous slurry. Water is then added to the slurry to solubilize portions of the sodium carbonate and the di- or tricarboxylic acid which allows them to react to form a builder salt in the slurry. Silica is then added to the slurry to form a flowable or nearly flowable powder detergent mixture.

Abstract: The dispensability of granular detergent compositions is enhanced by applying to granular detergent compositions comprising at least one detergent builder a liquified intimate mixture comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, at least one fatty acid and at least one fatty alcohol.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid dishwashing detergent compositions are prepared that exhibit improved detergency performance and foam stability over a range of water hardness levels. A preferred formulation incorporates a three component mixture: an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and an amido amine oxide to provide a detergent having good detergency performance and foam stability over a range of water hardness levels. Another preferred formulation incorporates a three component mixture: an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and an alkyl ethoxylated carboxylate to provide a detergent having good detergency performance and foam stability at high hardness levels.

Abstract: A high density, enzyme-containing powder detergent composition including a combination of alkaline proteases for improved cleaning characteristics and a combination of different density sodium carbonates for improved dispensing characteristics.

Abstract: The specification discloses a circuit for monitoring the status of an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb in a water treatment system. The circuit uses either transformers or zener diodes with opto-isolators to monitor the voltage across the bulb. A logic signal is emitted when abnormally high voltage is detected, for example, indicating that the bulb is burned out, broken, or missing. A logic signal also is emitted when abnormally low voltage is detected, for example, indicating that the starter circuit is short circuited or that power is interrupted.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of potable water having a substantially cylindrical pressure vessel which houses an ultraviolet light. The pressure vessel is in fluid communication with a filter stage which filters the water before treatment by the ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet lamp assembly sealed within a light permeable sleeve and having a single end cap provided with electrical terminals at one end only is disposed in watertight fashion within the pressure vessel. Downstream from an inlet to the pressure vessel is a deflector/baffle assembly provided to regulate the flow pattern and flow rate of the water within the pressure vessel thereby providing a uniform flow rate to achieve optimum kill rates of bacteria and other living organisms by exposure to the ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet lamp assembly is secured within the pressure vessel by a threaded closure nut which is easily secured or removed by hand.

Abstract: A vacuum diverter valve for a vacuum cleaner is located in a generally cylindrical valve housing with a vacuum outlet and first and second inlets circumferentially placed thereabout. The valve slideably engages the valve housing, and an interior wall on the valve defines a passage to allow communication between the vacuum outlet, and the first inlet or second inlet, or combination thereof. The valve is preferably formed with a clear plastic outboard endwall for viewing.

Abstract: A measuring scoop with molded reusable fit clip is disclosed. The measuring scoop includes a bowl with a scraping lip or shoulder used for more effectively lifting product into the bowl, an elongated handle which is integrally mounted on said bowl and a reusable fit clip on the free end of the handle, which clip is used for sealing closed a bag of product. The design of the handle as well as the design of the reusable fit clip extends the life of the molded friction fit clip by improving the clipping force as well as the clip's resistance to deformation from applied stress.

Abstract: A self-contained, disposable water filter cartridge for a water treatment system for treatment of potable water has one-way ball check valves at the water inlet and water outlet to the cartridge. The generally cylindrical water filter cartridge is generally spherical on one end while substantially planar on the other end and is of a welded plastic construction. Asymmetrical lugs radially disposed about the periphery of the planar end are adapted to mate with an apertured deck of a water treatment system.