Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a structured benefit agent pre-mix or delivery vehicle comprising benefit agent structured with crystalline materials, as defined, which when separately prepared and combined after preparation, provides enhanced delivery of benefit agent from a personal product bar carrying composition into which the premix is added. The use of structured benefit agent also enhances delivery of separate benefit agents in the premix (which may or may not be structured) and of separate benefit agents added separately from the premix.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 31, 2007
Publication date:
June 7, 2007
Applicant:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen O'Connor, Birnur Aral, John Nicholson, Quynh Pham, John Gllynn, Alexander Lips
Abstract: Apparatus for abrading a small sample of epidermis for bio-analytical processing and method of using same. The apparatus removes small samples of epidermal tissue with efficiency, minimal discomfort, and no excess tissue removal. The apparatus and method may be provided as part of a home-use kit for individualized analysis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 19, 2003
Date of Patent:
June 5, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert Carson, Susanne Teklits Iobst, Salvatore E. San Philip, Christina H. Arce, Carol Feinberg
Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir (6) for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means (300) to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble dryer and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in the provision of reservoir charging means (301) comprising one or more charging conduits (60) for directing fabric treatment composition to one or more regions of the transfer means.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 11, 2004
Date of Patent:
May 29, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: The invention provides high molecular weight polymers used in small amounts as viscosity modifiers for aqueous/aqueous biphasic liquids. The viscosity of the biphasic is enhanced at least 20%, preferably at least 30% relative to same compositions without use of polymer. Further, the polymer is included without destroying the ability of dual phase compositions to form after product is left standing.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 13, 2005
Date of Patent:
May 22, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymers comprising a block copolymer containing at least one group A and at least one group B in which each group A is a polymeric block built up from an ethylenically unsaturated polymerisable monomer and each group B is a polymeric block built up from an alkylene oxide, alkylene glycol or cyclic ether monomer or a mixture thereof for promoting soil release during laundering of a textile fabric and processes for their preparation. Laundry cleaning compositions comprising such polymers, a method of promoting soil release during laundering of a textile fabric and the use of such polymers in the manufacture of a laundry cleaning composition for effecting soil release from a laundry item form other aspects of the invention.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 19, 2002
Date of Patent:
May 8, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Douglas Eason, Ezat Khoshdel, Susanne Henning Rogers, Michael Stephen White
Abstract: Process for carboxy-alkylation, particularly carboxymethylation, of branched alcohols includes the reaction of isoalcohols with potassium-t-butoxide or sodium-t-butoxide and with salt of halogenated alkanoic acid in the presence of the isoalcohol (starting alcohol) as the solvent. Produced are isoalcohol carboxy-alkylates (preferably, carboxymethylates) in excellent yields and purity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 25, 2004
Date of Patent:
May 1, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA
Inventors:
Bijan Harichian, Jose Guillermo Rosa, Victor De Florio
Abstract: Detergent or personal care compositions comprising capsules, which in turn comprise a hydrophobic continuous phase, the latter comprising an isotropic mixture of a thermoplastic-type co-polymer and hydrocarbon oil. Preferably, the capsules further comprise an oil-soluble benefit agent. Preferably, the compositions are liquid, especially aqueous-based compositions. In the preferred embodiment, the capsules are transparent or translucent.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 28, 2001
Date of Patent:
May 1, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: An anionic surfactant particle for use in laundry detergent compositions has an anionic surfactant content of at least 95 wt % of anionic surfactant and comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) and primary alcohol sulphate (PAS) in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:3. The particle, which is preferably in the form of a flake, is of low hygroscopicity and dissolves rapidly in water.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 3, 2003
Date of Patent:
April 24, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA Division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: A low-foaming aqueous liquid laundry detergent composition comprising from about 0.05% to about 6%, by weight of the composition, of certain carboxylic acid ester and/or low-degree alkoxylated derivatives thereof having HLB below about 10; from about 8% to about 80% of a surfactant; from about 15% to about 90% of water. The compositions are particularly suitable for use in front-loading laundry washing machines.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 4, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 17, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: An aqueous isotropic liquid cleansing and moisturizing composition is provided having a surfactant; a thickening agent, and a solid particulate optical modifier that modifies the appearance of the skin after wash off.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 31, 2004
Date of Patent:
April 10, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor for quantifying one or more redox species in a liquid sample comprising a background electrochemical activity, wherein said biosensor comprises: (i) an electrode system; (ii) a filter means comprising a sample loading position; and (iii) a charge transfer surface between said filter means and said electrode system; wherein said filter means separates said sample loading position from said charge transfer surface by an amount of filter material capable of providing a tangential peak height for said background electrochemical activity of less than 30% of the tangential peak height for said redox species; and said biosensor comprises an intermediate layer between said filter means and said charge transfer surface, wherein said intermediate layer has a lower energy requirement to transfer said liquid sample to said charge transfer surface than said filter material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 2003
Date of Patent:
April 3, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Anne Louise Atkinson, Brian Jeffrey Birch, Robert Andrew Porter
Abstract: A method of treating finished garments comprising cellulosic material so as to cause cross-linking, which comprises the step of treating fabrics with an effective amount of a blocked cross-linking agent for cellulose, the cross-linking agent being thermally activated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 24, 2003
Date of Patent:
March 20, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Shameem Bhatia, Robert John Carswell, Paul Johnathon Evans, Paul Hugh Findlay
Abstract: A domestic spray device comprising a liquid reservoir (1), a continuous feed gas pump (3) with a control means (5) for activation thereof, and a means of transferring liquid (2) from the liquid reservoir (1) to a nozzle unit (12), the nozzle unit (12) comprising a means of forming a film of liquid, a means of injecting bubbles of gas into said film of liquid, said gas being forced into the nozzle unit (12) by the continuous feed gas pump (3), and a section of hardware defining an exit orifice (19) for the spray generated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 12, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 20, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Susan Michelle Kutay, Guy Richard Thompson
Abstract: The invention provides wet skin treatment compositions for use during bathing. The compositions are activated by water and retained efficiently on skin. The compositions impart desirable benefits to skin, are perceived to absorb quickly on wet skin, and leave the skin feeling clean, but non-greasy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 17, 2001
Date of Patent:
March 20, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Paul Aronson, Liang Sheng Tsaur
Abstract: An aqueous leave-on hair conditioning composition which comprises: a.) about 0.01 percent to about 10.0 percent of a quaternary ammonium compound; b.) about 0.0 percent to about 10.0 percent of a silicone oil; c.) about 0.00001 to about 0.05% of a polyoxyethylene polymer; and d.) about 0.01 to 10% of a non-ionic surfactant wherein said composition is substantially free of hair hold enhancing agents and which is substantially free of cationic cellulosic resins containing tetra-substituted nitrogen moieties, is described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 27, 2002
Date of Patent:
March 20, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Abstract: Translucent anhydrous formulations containing particulate commercially available activated aluminium chlorohydrate (AACH) have a perceptible yellowness. The yellowness of translucent anhydrous compositions containing AACH can be ameliorated or eliminated whilst retaining the improved antiperspirant efficacy of AACH by controlling its water content to the range of 9 to 18%. The appearance of yellow formulations in or on a dispensing package, prior to application to the body, can appear to be neutralised to the human eye by employing a dispenser having a complementary colour in wall contacting the formulation, to promote achromicity. The complementary colour of the wall is dark green for yellow formulations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 28, 2001
Date of Patent:
March 13, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Beng Sim Chuah, Kevin Ronald Franklin, Gordon Charles Hough
Abstract: Hair washing compositions are disclosed which comprise cleansing surfactant, water, first and second cationic polymers having at pH7 a charge density from 0.2 to 1 meq/gm and from 1.3 to 3 meq/gm respectively, and droplets of a water-insoluble conditioning oil of diameter 4 micrometres or less. The compositions provide cleansing with conditioning and low friction and ease of combing for wet and dry hair.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 30, 2003
Date of Patent:
February 27, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Nicholas John Ainger, Anand Ramchandra Mahadeshwar, Neil Scott Shaw
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for dispensing a unit dose water-soluble pouch containing a laundry additive during the spin cycle of a washing machine process having a spinning wash drum. The device is attached to the vertical center post of a washing machine and holds a water-soluble pouch above the high water level. During the spin cycle, the spinning center post will create sufficient centrifugal force so that the water-soluble pouch is released from the device. The water-soluble pouch will then fall into the laundry where the water-soluble pouch will dissolve when rinse water fills the machine thereby releasing the laundry additive to treat the washed articles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 2003
Date of Patent:
February 27, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Feng-Lung Gordon Hsu, Daniel Joseph Fox, Edward John Giblin, Ronald Frederick Vogel, Gary Hsu, Mohammad Hosseini-Nejad
Abstract: Incorporation in a laundry detergent composition of a graft polymer having a locust bean gum backbone and grafts of an aromatic sulphonic acid improves antiredeposition properties. The preferred polymer is locust bean gum—graft—poly (4-styrenesulphonic acid).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 16, 2004
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2007
Assignee:
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher David Gibbs, Alyn James Parry, Susanne Henning Rogers