Patents Examined by Lorna M. Douyon
  • Process for making a detergent composition by non-tower process
    Patent number: 6150323
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) granulating the second agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process can also comprise further step (b'), i.e., spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Concentrated cleaner compositions capable of viscosity increase upon dilution
    Patent number: 6150320
    Abstract: Concentrated cleaning compositions are described which exhibit an increase in viscosity simply upon dilution with water. The concentrated and diluted ("ready-to-use") versions are useful in removing food and petroleum grease from hard surfaces (particularly non-horizontal surfaces), and may be formulated as petroleum degreasers, hand soaps and bathroom cleaners. The inventive compositions include an aggregate-forming organic compound, for example an amine oxide, and a nonaggregating or mildly aggregating organic compound, such as an organic alkyl alcohol having from about 4 to about 20 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James A. McDonell, Jerry W. Mlinar
  • Process for making a detergent composition by non-tower process
    Patent number: 6143711
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns in a mixer fitted with choppers, and (b) granulating the agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus, wherein finely atomized liquid is sprayed onto the first agglomerates in a mixer between step (a) and (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch
  • Process for producing granular detergent components or compositions
    Patent number: 6140301
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l comprises the step of dispersing a liquid binder throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer to form granular agglomerates, wherein the product stream comprises crystalline zeolite. A having an oil absorbing capacity of at least 40 ml/100 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Rutherford Brougham, George Burgess
  • Wet wipe with non-aqueous, oil-based solvent for industrial cleaning
    Patent number: 6136775
    Abstract: An absorbent wipe is provided impregnated with a non-toxic, oil-based cleaning solvent comprising the polar oil d-limonene, a non-polar mineral oil, and a hydrophilic surfactant. The resulting article provides an effective wipe for removing oil-based soils such as oil, grease, tar, ink, and similar contaminants. The article provides a non-toxic wipe which is safe for use on skin, has low volatility, and provides a solvent which self-emulsifies in water. Accordingly, the solvent residue may be easily rinsed and removed from cleaned surfaces. Further, the solvent carrying the removed contaminant may be separated from the wiper to facilitate hazardous waste separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Michael Strout, Cleary Efton Mahaffey, Pamela Jean Mayberry
  • Drain cleaner
    Patent number: 6136768
    Abstract: A water-dispersible effervescent drain cleaner having a composition of approximately 20-60% by weight of a mixture of metal hydroxides, 20-40% hypochlorite generator, and 10-40% effervescent materials. Lubricant, colors and fragrances may also be present. The components of this mixture are compressed into tablet, pellet, granules, or high density powder forms. The particles are of sufficient density to drop through water to the point of a clog. The effervescent materials work to break up the tablets or pellets and to agitate the mixture. The hypochlorite generator, in conjunction with the hydroxides reacts to dissolve hair. The hydroxide and hypochlorite generate heat, which will dissolve grease and soap clogs and accelerate the dissolution of hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Chem-Link Laboratories LLC
    Inventors: Hilton G. Dawson, Robert P. Warnock, Richard A. DeSenna
  • Process for making a detergent composition by non-tower process
    Patent number: 6136777
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed; (b) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed; and (c) granulating the third agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process is improved by further step (b'), by thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c), wherein, in step (b'), choppers are used to reduce the amount of oversized agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Production of detergent granulates
    Patent number: 6133223
    Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by contacting a liquid binder and a solid neutralizing agent. The binder has an acidic component comprising an anionic surfactant acidic precursor and an inorganic acid. The inorganic acid is at least 2.5% by weight of the acidic component. The neutralizing agent and at least some of the binder are granulated in a low-shear granulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernardete Barreto Sampaio, Lazaro Valli
  • Process for making a free-flowing particulate dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix
    Patent number: 6133224
    Abstract: Process for making a free-flowing, particulate dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix for inclusion in a granular laundry detergent composition consisting essentially of the steps of: charging from 50% to 95%, by weight of the dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix, of a detergent builder into a mixer/granulator; adding to the detergent builder from 5% to 50%, by weight of the dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix, of a dye transfer inhibitor solution to thereby form a mixture; and agglomerating the mixture of the dye transfer inhibitor solution and the detergent builder so as to form the dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Adrian John Waynforth Angell, Gary Ray Cutter, Robert Gary Welch
  • Non-cationic systems for dryer sheets
    Patent number: 6133226
    Abstract: Tumble dryer articles having a fabric conditioning composition providing anti-static softening, stain removal, stain guard and anti-active build-up benefits in an automatic clothes dryer are described. The composition comprises 3 to 80 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of greater than 11, 3 to 50 wt. % of an anionic surfactant, 0 to 80 wt. % of a non-surfactant release aid and up to 25 wt. % of an aqueous ingredient provided the total amount of the nonionic and anionic surfactant is 20 wt. % or more and the ratio of the aqueous ingredient to the anionic surfactant is less than 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Nathaniel Knowlton, Nancy Pergament, Feng-Lung Gordon Hsu
  • Portioned detergent composition
    Patent number: 6133214
    Abstract: A portioned detergent composition in a bag of water-soluble film in which at least 70% by weight of the particles of the detergent composition have particle sizes above 800 .mu.m. The choice of this particular particle size range eliminates otherwise typical production-related problems arising out of the permeability of the bag seams and resulting difficulties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Dieter Jung, Bernd Larson, Wilfried Raehse, Peter Sandkuehler, Hans-Peter Siegers, Hermann-Josef Welling
  • Magnesium dischloride-alcohol adducts and catalyst components obtained therefrom
    Patent number: 6127304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to MgCl.sub.2.mROH.nH.sub.2 O adducts, where R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, 2.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.4.2, 0.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.0.7, characterized by an X-ray diffraction spectrum in which, in the range of 2.theta. diffraction angles between 5.degree. and 15.degree., the three main diffraction lines are present at diffraction angles 2.theta. of 8.8.+-.0.2.degree., 9.4.+-.0.2.degree. and 9.8.+-.0.2.degree., the most intense diffraction lines being the one at 2.theta.=8.8.+-.0.2.degree., the intensity of the other two diffraction lines being at least 0.2 times the intensity of the most intense diffraction line. Catalyst components obtained from the adducts of the present invention are capable to give catalysts for the polymerization of olefins characterized by enhanced activity and stereospecificity with respect to the catalysts prepared from the adducts of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Montell technology Company bv
    Inventors: Mario Sacchetti, Gabriele Govoni, Anna Fait
  • Method of making highly alkaline solid cleaning compositions
    Patent number: 6124250
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a highly alkaline, solid cleaning composition in a batch or continuous mixing system, at or below the melting temperature of the alkaline ingredients, and products produced by the process. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the product ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable product. The highly alkaline cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, James Thorson, Diane K. Johnson
  • Toilet bowl cleaning tablet
    Patent number: 6124251
    Abstract: A cleaning formulation, in tablet form, capable of providing a metered release of cleaning active while immersed in the tank of a toilet. The tablet comprises greater than about 85 to 99 weight percent of a halohydantoin plus about 1 to 15 weight percent of a longevity aid comprising boric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: James E. Rader, William K. Mainquist
  • Process for making a detergent composition by non-tower process
    Patent number: 6121229
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) the second agglomerates are thoroughly mixed in a mixer to provide rounding and growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Kit for cleaning vinyl plastics
    Patent number: 6121221
    Abstract: A kit for cleaning vinyl plastics containing a mixture of solvents and a fluorescent material in a first container, a solvent and a fluorescent material in a second container, and, optionally a cloth and a detergent. The mixture of solvents in the first container is used to remove film from the vinyl plastics and includes 55% isopropyl alcohol, 40% methyl ethyl ketone, and 5% xylene. The second container contains a coating to be applied to white vinyl plastics to brighten them. The detergent is used to remove loose dirt and grime. The cloth is used to apply the mixtures in the two containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ronald O. Davis
    Inventor: Ronald O. Davis
  • Foaming effervescent bath product
    Patent number: 6121215
    Abstract: A foaming effervescent bath composition is comprised of an effervescent base together with an anhydrous surfactant. The effervescent base may be sodium carbonate and an organic acid, or similar variations. The base is selected so as to provide a composition which has a high dissolution rate, of at least 0.4 g/sec. The product is designed so as to have a low density, not greater than about 1.0 g/cc. Surfactants that exhibit a high viscosity in the presence of low concentrations of salt give particularly good foaming performance. Other agents, such as a colorant, fragrance, humectant, or emollient, may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: PHYZZ, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen H. Rau
  • Encapsulated crystalline calcium carbonate builder for use in detergent compositions
    Patent number: 6114289
    Abstract: A detergent composition containing an inexpensive detergent builder in the form of a selected crystalline calcium carbonate that has been coated with an encapsulating material such as a carbohydrate is provided. The crystalline calcium carbonate can be calcite and the encapsulating material can be sucrose. The crystalline calcium carbonate of the present invention is extremely inexpensive because it performs well even when used at large median particle sizes (e.g. less than 10 m.sup.2 /g surface areas).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Scott William Capeci, Eugene Joseph Pancheri
  • Detergent composition
    Patent number: 6114290
    Abstract: An aqueous cleansing and oily soil removing composition comprising a surface active agent and an agent for removing oily soil from skin, in which the surface active agent and agent for removing oily soil are separate but combinedly dispensable from a single packaging means as discrete domains, preferably in a predetermined ratio. Separating the agent for removing oily soil from the surface active agent results in improved removal of oily soil from skin, and a clean, fresh feel which is appreciated by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Gardner Lyle, Mavis Claire Pereira, Jason Richard Williams
  • Process for the preparation of granular washing or cleaning agents and constituents therefor
    Patent number: 6107269
    Abstract: A process for producing granular detergents, cleaners or components thereof from dust-like solids having a particle size distribution such that at least 5% by weight of the solids have a diameter smaller than 0.1 mm, by placing the solids in a moving mixer and adding water in its vaporous state to the solids whereby the water in its vaporous state forms liquid water in situ on at least part of the solids in an amount of from 0.1% to 2% by weight, based on the weight of the granular detergents, cleaners or components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Henrich Engels, Michael Marschner