Abstract: A refill device for a multi-dosing detergent delivery device comprises: a plurality of dosage elements each containing an amount of detergent; and a disposable dosage element support means for containing said dosage elements and holding them in a specific configuration prior to use, wherein said specific configuration matches a compartment layout of a multi-chamber inlet part of a multi-dosing detergent delivery device and facilitates insertion of said dosage elements into said multi-chamber inlet part by a user without the user needing to handle any of said dosage elements directly. In one variant, primary retail packaging is provided mimicking the internal formation of the multi-chamber inlet part (400) such that the removal of a lid and subsequent inverting of a base portion of the packaging over the multi-chamber inlet part brings the dosage elements into correct registration with the chambers of the multi-chamber inlet part.

Abstract: The invention concerns detergent dosing devices and particularly a device for metering detergent doses within a dishwashing machine. A detergent dosing device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a lid assembly (20) and a base assembly (10). The base assembly (10) is arranged to receive an array of “n” detergent doses and the device is arranged to perform “n” washing cycles prior to replacement of said array. The device provides improvements over the prior art in that it includes provision for counting means in the form of a counting ring (26) for providing a visual indication to a user of a number of washing cycles performed or remaining and further has an end of life indication means (22) for indicating, independently of said counting means, that “n” cycles have been carried out and that said array requires replacement.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid dishwashing detergent composition comprising an amount of from 0.01 to 10 % wt of one or more anionic polyesters. The compositions exhibit good drying properties, especially on plasticware.

Abstract: The invention concerns detergent dosing devices and particularly a device for metering detergent doses within a dishwashing machine. A detergent dosing device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises: a water/wash liquor collection area (12), a controlled inlet valve (14) for receiving water/wash liquor from the water/wash liquor collection area (12) and selectively allowing the collected water/wash liquor to pass through it, a housing part 10 for receiving water/wash liquor passed to it by the controlled inlet valve (14), a detergent supply (16) for mixing with said water/wash liquor, a first sensor (18) for sensing the cleanliness level of water/wash liquor, a second sensor (20) for sensing detergent, a controller (22) for receiving signals from said first and second sensors (18, 20) and for selectively controlling said inlet valve (14) on the basis of the outputs from the first and second sensors and an outlet (28) for dispensing mixed water/wash liquor and detergent.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing device for an automatic washing machine, the device having a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a selecting means to selectively expose each chamber to wash liquor allowing the detergent, in use, to be washed out of the chamber; a manual operating means being movable from a first position to a second position for loading mechanical energy into the device which provides a restoring force for the operating means, and a return motion prevention means to retain the operating means in the second position, the return motion prevention means being arranged to move when subjected to a condition prevailing in an interior of the machine during a wash cycle, thereby moving the operating means to the first position or releasing the operating means to return to the first position during a single wash cycle; the operating means being arranged to move the selecting means and cartridge relatively to one another to advance the selecting means to an adjacent chamber as it moves

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. The device comprises a housing (20) for receiving, in use, therein a cartridge (50) having a plurality X of chambers (52) each accommodating a detergent composition; a water/wash liquor collection area for receiving and collecting water/wash liquor falling upon it; directing means (350) for directing said water/wash liquor selectively into an inlet hole of a chamber (52) of the cartridge (50) to contact the detergent composition therein; and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device. The device further comprises manually operated indexing means for causing movement of said directing means (350) relative to said cartridge (50) so as to cause sequential movement of said directing means (350) from directing water/wash liquor from one chamber to directing it to a neighbouring chamber and an end stop mechanism for preventing actuation of the manual indexing mechanism subsequent to an Xth washing cycle.

Abstract: A solid zeolite free soluble water softening composition comprises an effervescent system including an organic acid and an alkali which react together upon dissolution in water.

Abstract: A zinc and bismuth containing, water-soluble glass composition comprising from 10 to 75 mole % P2O5, 5-50 mole % alkali metal oxide, up to 40 mole % ZnO and up to 40 mole % Bi2O3.

Abstract: A dosage element of a type to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine comprises an outer casing formed during a preliminary manufacturing process, whereby said outer casing is provided with two compartments respectively containing first and second substances, the two compartments being separated by an insert which forms one or more internal separation walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent composition comprising at least one surfactant, at least one biodegradable builder and, at least one source of metal ions, wherein the metal ions are selected from zinc; tin; magnesium; calcium; strontium; titanium; zirconium; manganese; and/or bismuth. The composition is especially suitable for use as a dishwasher detergent composition. The present invention also relates to methods for using such a composition as well as methods of washing dishes with the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. In embodiments of the present invention, the device comprises a housing (2) for receiving a cartridge (200). The cartridge (200) has a plurality X of chambers, each accommodating a detergent composition. The device has a lid (3,1100) for receiving water/wash liquor and directing it selectively into a chamber of the cartridge (200) to contact the detergent composition therein and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device. The device has automatic indexing means (100) for automatic movement of said cartridge (200) relative to said lid (3,1100) so as to cause a neighbouring chamber to be in an exposed, ready to be used, position prior to a next washing cycle and features an end stop mechanism (A,B) for preventing actuation of said automatic indexing mechanism (100) subsequent to an Xth washing cycle.

Abstract: A dosage element to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine, the dosage element comprises a container, whereby the container encloses a non-consolidated particulate composition and a gel in direct contact with one another.

Abstract: Method of cleaning dishes in an automatic dishwashing machine comprising providing film material consisting essentially of an ethoxylated poly(vinylalcohol) material enclosing a dishwasher detergent composition to an automatic dishwashing machine.

Abstract: This invention concerns dosage elements for a ware washing machine and a method of manufacturing such dosage elements. In embodiments of the invention a dosage element comprises first (10) and second (20) joined parts, wherein the first part (10) is a part which, prior to joining with the second part (20), comprised an open receptacle and wherein the second part (20) comprises a substrate carrying a plurality of mutually separated substances A, B, C arranged in side by side relation. The second part (20) is joined to said first part (10) so as to close said receptacle and enclose said substances within it. Dosage elements produced in the inventive method are pleasant to handle, whilst being surprisingly resistant to damage in handling or transit.

Abstract: An applicator for a detergent composition comprises a container. The container has at one end a housing with an opening therein. An applicator cylinder is located within and extends outwardly from the opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of softening water and/or in which the deposition of hard water scale is inhibited. The invention relates in particular to such a method carried out in a domestic environment, in particular in ware-washing machines. In particular the method relates to the softening of water after the main wash of a ware-washing machine, in particular in the rinse cycle of a ware-washing machine. The invention also relates to water-softening compositions for such methods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a multi-dosing detergent delivery device including a status indicator for providing an external indication of the internal status of the device. The indicator comprises a first element (140) internal to a main housing part (100) of the device and whose position is directly related to the status of the device and a second element (120) external of the main housing. The second element (120) and the first element (140) are linked together by means of magnetic attraction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first element (140) comprises a magnet and the second element (120) comprises a ferro-magnetic sphere, held within a transparent dome (110). The sphere (120) and dome (110) are mounted to the exterior of a main housing of the device and form an isolated sub-housing, whilst the magnet (140) is provided internally.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-dosing detergent delivery device that is removably insertable into an automatic dishwashing machine. The device comprises a cartridge capable of receiving therein a rack of dosage elements of a cleaning composition, a collection area formed in a lid area of said device suitable to collect water/wash liquor in a main wash cycle of a dishwasher and a directing means to direct water or wash liquor from said collection area selectively to an interior part of said device. In particular, the device of the present invention includes a sieve arrangement located in the lid area to prevent or impede particles from blocking water/wash liquor flow into said interior part of the device.

Abstract: A granulated composition suitable for use in a carpet cleaning operation comprising a derivatised/modified cellulose such as a hydrophobic cellulose component and/or a silicified cellulose.