Abstract: A mold for producing a plurality of moldings has at least on introduction point for the molding material and a plurality of cavities with a shape corresponding to that of the moldings. The cavities are arranged so that each cavity, except cavities in an end or peripheral position, is connected to at least two directly adjacent cavities. A fluid casting compound of a material having a solidified hardness of not more than about 200N, defined as the force at which an 11 mm sphere of the material will shatter, is introduced into the mold, so that it essentially fills all of the cavities, and the casting compound is then solidified and removed from the mold.

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 for glass-ceramic surfaces has a certain abrasive agent content and a pH value lower than about 6. The abrasive agent contains particles of an organic material, preferably in an amount of at least about 20% of the abrasive agent, and more preferably substantially the entire abrasive agent. The organic material may be a polyolefin or polyurethane, for example, and may be predominantly present as particles with a particle size in the range of about 10 to 1000 &mgr;m. The abrasive agent may also include mineral particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher has at least two separate compartments for respectively receiving and dispensing an active composition and an opening mechanism for the compartments, which is operated by means which are activated by conditions prevailing in the inside of the machine. These conditions prevail solely in the course of a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The position of the opening mechanism and/or the compartment(s) after emptying of at least one compartment is changed relative to each other, such that the opening mechanism can then open at least one other compartment, when another activation occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of an active composition into a washing, drying or dishwashing machine has a supply chamber which holds at least double the amount of an individual dose of the active composition. A dispensing chamber is connected to the supply chamber by a passage in order to receive an individual dose of the active composition and to discharge the composition by way of a discharging passage. The closing of the passage between the supply chamber and the dispensing chamber, either beforehand or simultaneously, is actuated by means which are activated by conditions inside the machine, existing exclusively during a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The passage between the supply chamber and the dispensing chamber is re-opened and, beforehand or simultaneously, the discharging passage from the dispensing chamber is closed, so that the dispensing chamber can be re-filled from the supply chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of liquid cleaning agent or detergent compositions which are ready to use and packaged. In rest (quiescent) condition the compositions exist separately in at least two aqueous phases. At least two separate preliminary mixtures are produced, exhibiting non phase separation in a temperature range of about 0° C.-40° C. The preliminary mixtures are mixed together only upon or directly before they are placed in the packaging container.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble, water-softening builder in the form of a tablet comprising 40-98% by weight of a combination of a) one or more organic, multifunctional polycarboxylic acid(s) or alkali metal salts thereof, and b) a polymer with water-softening properties in an a:b weight ratio of from 80:20 to 50:50, where the polymer with water-softening properties is a partially neutralized polyacrylic acid having a molecular weight of 1500-8000.