Abstract: A stearate-matrix, pre-spotter composition in solid stick form to be applied by direct contact to stained areas of fabric, thereby transferring the composition to the stained areas of the fabric. The composition includes an alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid and/or sulfonate, at least one nonionic surfactant, and an enzyme uniformly dispersed throughout a semi-hard stearate matrix. By the addition of sodium bicarbonate, the composition optimizes the pH to promote enzyme action, while simultaneously achieving a satisfactory drop point for shipping and warehousing. At pH levels from 8.2 to 9.0, acceptable hardness and transferability are still achieved, which was previously thought not to be possible without the addition of a critical amount of certain salts. The further addition of sodium bicarbonate in an encapsulated form directs the sodium bicarbonate-driven soil and stain removing capabilities of the composition to the point of application on the fabric.

Abstract: A stearate-matrix, pre-spotter composition in solid stick form to be applied by direct contact to stained areas of fabric, thereby transferring the composition to the stained areas of the fabric. The composition includes an alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid and/or sulfonate, at least one nonionic surfactant, and an enzyme uniformly dispersed throughout a semi-hard stearate matrix. By the addition of sodium bicarbonate, the composition optimizes the pH to promote enzyme action, while simultaneously achieving a satisfactory drop point for shipping and warehousing. At pH levels from 8.2 to 9.0, acceptable hardness and transferability are still achieved, which was previously thought not to be possible without the addition of a critical amount of certain salts.

Abstract: A stearate-matrix, pre-spotter composition in solid, stick form to be applied by direct contact to stained areas of fabric, thereby transferring the composition to the stained areas of the fabric. The composition includes an alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid and/or sulfonate, at least one nonionic surfactant and an enzyme uniformly dispersed throughout a semi-hard stearate matrix. The composition optimizes the pH to promote enzyme action, while simultaneously achieving a satisfactory drop point for shipping and warehousing. Hardness and transferability are achieved at a low pH level that was previously not thought to be possible without the addition of various salts.

Abstract: A system for automatically dispensing metered amounts of viscous product in assembly-line fashion into each of a series of containers, wherein the temperature of the product is maintained within a preselected range along its path of flow. Structure is provided for substantially reducing product leakage along the path of flow, including a pneumatically actuated shut-off valve which operates in the nozzle in synchronism with each piston stroke. Structure is also provided for precisely adjusting the individual piston strokes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the surface characteristics of wax-based material such as a deodorant or anti-perspirant stick housed in a container is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow walled housing having an inlet and outlet portion. A plurality of rows of horizontally mounted endless conveyors each comprised of a plurality of interconnected conveyor feet are mounted in the housing for moving containers therethrough in reciprocating fashion. A plurality of spaced separators are mounted between the rows and containers move sequentially through these rows from the inlet to the outlet of the housing. A duct system is connected with the housing for circulating air through the housing and creating a reduced pressure therein. A plurality of heating units arranged in sequence are mounted over the rows which units are capable of melting the wax-based material.