Patents Examined by Kery A. Fries
  • Patent number: 6063745
    Abstract: Multi-purpose solutions for contact lens care provide substantial lens wearer/user comfort and/or acceptability. Such solutions include an aqueous liquid medium; an antimicrobial component, preferably a biguanide polymer present in an amount of less than about 5 ppm; a surfactant component, preferably a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer surfactant, in an effective amount; a phosphate buffer component in an effective amount; a viscosity inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives, in an effective amount; and a tonicity component in an effective amount. Such solutions have substantial performance, comfort and acceptability benefits, which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Allergan
    Inventors: Richard Graham, Joseph G. Vehige
  • Patent number: 6060441
    Abstract: A cleaning composition containing: (a) from about 1 to about 60% by weight of a surfactant component consisting essentially of: (i) a fatty alkyl ether sulfate; (ii) a linear alcohol ethoxylate; and (iii) a nonionic sugar surfactant, having a ratio by-weight of (i):(ii):(iii) in a range of about 0.5 to 1.0:1.5 to 2.5:0.5 to 1.5; and (b) from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of an enzyme component selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof, all weights being based on the weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: J. Frederick Hessel, George A. Smith, Charles B. Allen, Michael Hansberry, Karl-Heinz Maurer
  • Patent number: 6057277
    Abstract: Compositions including one or more enzymes and as the compatible chelating surfactant, salts of N-acyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid ("ED3A"). Salts of N-acyl ED3A do not readily denature various enzymes, and thus are highly compatible with such enzymes, and enhance their detergent effectiveness to an unexpected degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Hampshire Chemical Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Crudden, Joseph Lazzaro, Brian A. Parker
  • Patent number: 6054055
    Abstract: The invention discloses oil congealing compositions to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The congealing composition is oliophilic based and floats on the water surface to contract and congeal oil spills in both salt and fresh water, which includes in significant amounts a polypropylene glycol ether, an alcohol, an ester and polyoxyalkyl glycol ether. After the congealing composition is applied to the oil spill, the floating congealed oil can be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removable from the water with minimal negative environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Joan E. Docter
    Inventor: James O. Burlew
  • Patent number: 6051541
    Abstract: A translucent/transparent composition capable of suspending relatively large size particles while remaining readily pourable. The composition is stable, even in presence of readily large amount of electrolyte/surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristina Marie Neuser, Myongsuk Bae-Lee, Feng-Lung Gordon Hsu, Daniel Joseph Kuzmenka, Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6040288
    Abstract: Provided are methods of washing fabric articles in the presence of silicone oils to provide for color protection and/or fragrance retention in the washing of fabric articles with detergents. Fabric articles are washed in a washing medium comprised of a major amount by weight of water, a first minor amount by weight of a detergent and a second minor amount by weight of an aminosilicone having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: the variables are defined in the specification wherein said first minor amount by weight is greater than said second minor amount by weight. In preferred embodiments of this method, said washing medium is the product of mixing water with a composition comprised of said aminosilicone compound in association with an insoluble support. In particularly preferred embodiments, an aminosilicone compound wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.8 are both alkoxy, (typically methoxy) is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Rhodia Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Popoff, Alwyn Nartey, Robert Gabriel, Eric Aubay
  • Patent number: 6025312
    Abstract: This invention is an antibacterial, bactericidal and antiseptic agent containing an aluminum salt of hinokitiol or/and a complex compound of hinokitiol with an aluminum compound as an effective component.As hinokitiol contained in the form of an aluminum salt of hinokitiol or/and a complex compound of hinokitiol with an aluminum compound, the thermal, optical and chemical instabilities of hinokitiol are dispelled, and the stabilization during the production and at the time of storage as preparations is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: P & PF Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Saito, Nobuyuki Kishi, Katsuhito Kita, Natsue Hirano, Tetsuo Nishina
  • Patent number: 6022836
    Abstract: A detergent hair composition of the type including, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a washing base and at least one cationic polymer, and additionally comprising at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible silicone compound including a silicone main chain onto which at least one hydrocarbon group of anionic nature is grafted.This composition may be applied to clean, care and style hair and gives an improved styling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Claude Dubief, Daniele Cauwet-Martin
  • Patent number: 6017871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising protease enzyme which is a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived by replacement of a plurality of amino acid residues of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase with different amino acids, wherein said plurality of amino acid residues replaced in the precursor enzyme correspond to position +76 in combination with one or more of the following residues: +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265, and/or +274, where the numbered positions corresponds to naturally-occurring subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or to equivalent amino acid residues in other carbonyl hydrolases or subtilisins (such as Bacillus lentus subtilisin).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andre Baeck, Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, Thomas Paul Graycar, Richard Ray Bott, Lori Jean Wilson, Philip Frederick Brode, Bobby Lee Barnett, Donn Nelton Rubingh
  • Patent number: 6017870
    Abstract: A purified novel cellulase composition is provided which may be isolated from a fermentation culture of Trichoderma longibrachiatum and has a molecular weight of about 95-105 kD as approximated on SDS-PAGE (see FIG. 1), a pl of about 5.6-6.8 as estimated on an IEF gel and a pH optimum of about 5.0 on RBB-CMC when measured at 65.degree. C. and pH 4 or lower at temperatures of 40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Bower, Kathleen A. Clarkson, Katherine D. Collier, James T. Kellis, Moira B. Kelly, Edmund A. Larenas
  • Patent number: 6015783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removal or bleaching of soiling or stains present on cellulosic fabric, wherein the fabric is contacted in aqueous medium with a modified enzyme (enzyme hybrid) which comprises a catalytically active amino acid sequence of a non-cellulolytic enzyme linked to an amino acid sequence comprising a cellulose-binding domain. The invention further relates to a detergent composition comprising an enzyme hybrid of the type in question and a surfactant, and to a process for washing soiled or stained cellulosic fabric, wherein the fabric is washed in an aqueous medium to which is added such a detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Claus von der Osten, Joel R. Cherry, Mads E. Bjornvad, Jesper Vind, Michael Dolberg Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6008178
    Abstract: There is provided a detergent composition comprising: a) from 1% to 95% by weight of a surfactant system comprising an anionic surfactant and a cationic ester surfactant, other than N,N-di(2-stearoyloxyethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl ammonium chloride, present in a weight ratio of said anionic surfactant to said cationic ester surfactant of 2.5:1 to 25:1; and b) from 0.0001% to 5% by weight of a proteolytic enzyme, wherein the % weight of proteolytic enzyme in the formulation is based on an enzyme activity of 4 Knpu/g of the enzyme particle, and wherein the weight ratio of said anionic surfactant to said proteolytic enzyme is at least 1.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerard Marcel Baillely, Robin Gibson Hall, Christian Leo Marie Vermote
  • Patent number: 5998342
    Abstract: This invention relates to a foaming enzyme composition and delivery method useful for the cleaning and maintenance of moist conditions of the surfaces of soiled instruments, utensils and other devices prior to final cleaning and/or sterilization. The aqueous composition preferably consists of a combination of: (1) an enzyme cleaning solution, (2) foam-building ingredients; (3) a corrosion inhibitor; and (4) an antimicrobial agent. The composition may be dispensed from a pump spray as a stable foam which covers the surfaces of the instrument to be cleaned, and remains on the surface of the instrument for at least 30 minutes, and preferably until the instruments are finally cleaned and sterilized. The composition and delivery method of the present invention is particularly useful for the pre-cleaning of complex medical instruments such as endoscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Cottrell International, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Scoville, Jr., Inna A. Novicova
  • Patent number: 5990059
    Abstract: A conditioning shampoo composition for hair and/or skin comprises a stable microemulsion of a high viscosity, slightly cross-linked silicone with a particle size of <0.15 microns, in combination with a deposition polymer and a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Helene Curtis, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Michel Finel, Walter Thomas Gibson, Jonathan David Hague
  • Patent number: 5985810
    Abstract: A cleaning composition comprising at least one low molecular weight polyorganosiloxane selected from the group consisting of straight chain polydiorganosiloxane represented by a general formula: ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1 is an organic group of single valence substituted by the same or different group or unsubstituted, and l is an integer from 0 to 5), and cyclic polydiorganosiloxane represented by a general formula: ##STR2## (wherein R.sup.1 is an organic group of single valence substituted by the same or different group or unsubstituted, and m is an integer from 3 to 7). To use it as a water system cleaning agent, polyoxyalkylene group containing polyorganosiloxane, a surfactant, and water are additionally mixed. Accordingly, a cleaning effect free from environmental destruction and contamination, equivalent to flon containing cleaning agents, and satisfactorily stable in terms of dispersion as a water system cleaning agent can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Inada, Kimiaki Kabuki, Yasutaka Imajo, Takayuki Oguni, Noriaki Yagi, Nobuhiro Saitoh, Akitsugu Kurita, Yoshiaki Takezawa
  • Patent number: 5975095
    Abstract: This invention relates to an enzymatic detergent drain cleaner composition comprising:about 0.005% to about 20% by weight of an acid lipase having hydrolytic activity to ester bonds, specific to glyceride linkages;about 0.005% to about 20% by weight of an acid cellulase enzyme having hydrolytic activity specific to .beta.-glucosidic bonds;about 1-70 wt % of a water soluble carbonate salt;about 1-70 wt % of a water soluble acid that reacts in an aqueous medium with the carbonate salt to form carbon dioxide that dissolves in the aqueous medium;about 0.1-10 wt % of a surfactant; andabout 0.05-5 wt % of a thickening agent. This detergent composition may be used as an enzymatic detergent drain cleaner or in a method for removing or preventing bacterial cellulose and glyceride deposits in an aqueous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kay Chemical Company
    Inventors: Fahim U. Ahmed, James E. Goldschmidt, Gerald E. La Cosse
  • Patent number: 5977040
    Abstract: A cleaning composition comprising at least one low molecular weight polyorganosiloxane selected from the group consisting of straight chain polydiorganosiloxane represented by a general formula: ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1 is an organic group of single valence substituted by the same or different group or unsubstituted, and 1 is an integer from 0 to 5), and cyclic polydiorganosiloxane represented by a general formula: ##STR2## (wherein R.sup.1 is an organic group of single valence substituted by the same or different group or unsubstituted, and m is an integer from 3 to 7). To use it as a water system cleaning agent, polyoxyalkylene group containing polyorganosiloxane, a surfactant, and water are additionally mixed. Accordingly, a cleaning effect free from environmental destruction and contamination, equivalent to flon containing cleaning agents, and satisfactorily stable in terms of dispersion as a water system cleaning agent can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Inada, Kimiaki Kabuki, Yasutaka Imajo, Takayuki Oguni, Noriaki Yagi, Nobuhiro Saitoh, Akitsugu Kurita, Yoshiaki Takezawa
  • Patent number: 5972872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising an enzyme preparation with substantial cellulytic activity, especially endoglucanase activity, at alkaline conditions which is enzyme composition is derived from or producible by a fungus selected from the Basidiomycetous families Coprinaceae and Bolbitiaceae, preferably from the group of strains belonging to the genera Psathyrella, Podaxis, Panaeolus, Coprinus and Bolbitius, more preferably from the group of strains belonging to the species Coprinus micaceus, Coprinus domesticus, Coprinus ephemerus, Coprinus disseminatus, Coprinus radians, Coprinus picaceus, Coprinus frisei, Coprinus subimpatiens, Psathyrella candolleana, Psathyrella prona, Panaeolus semiovatus, Podaxis pistillaris and Bolbitius aleuriatus; and a method for providing a stone-washed look to textiles, especially to cellulosic fabric such as denim, using the mentioned enzyme preparation; and a method for improving the drainage of paper pulp or the de-inking of recycled paper usi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Lene Lange, Jack Bech Nielsen, Martin Schulein
  • Patent number: 5972873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition comprising an enzyme and a phenyl boronic acid derivative enzyme stabilizer of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkenyl and substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkenyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Lone Kierstein Nielsen, Allison Deane-Wray
  • Patent number: 5972040
    Abstract: A granular detergent composition comprising an alkali metal percarbonate and an amylase enzyme, characterized in that said composition contains an amylase in a weight ratio of percarbonate to amylase of 1:2 to 300:1, preferably 1:2 to 60:1, more preferably 20:1 to 40:1. Both laundry detergent compositions including laundry additives and automatic dishwashing compositions are encompassed by the term "detergent composition" herein. Methods of treatment of specific stains are also encompassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Alan John Moss, Christiaan Arthur Thoen