Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pan agglomeration process for forming porous absorbent particles suitable for use as an animal litter. The process eliminates the need for a pre-wetting step, while forming agglomerates that are up to 65% lighter in weight than the raw material feed. In addition, the agglomerates can incorporate performance-enhancing actives, such as odor-controlling carbon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pan agglomeration process for forming porous absorbent particles suitable for use as an animal litter. The process eliminates the need for a pre-wetting step, while forming agglomerates that are up to 65% lighter in weight than the raw material feed. In addition, the agglomerates can incorporate performance-enhancing actives, such as odor-controlling carbon.

Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: Composite particles suitable for use as a clumping animal litter according to one embodiment include an absorbent material, and a superabsorbent polymer coupled to the absorbent material, where a ratio of rates of absorption of the superabsorbent polymer and absorbent material is at least about 1:1. Composite particles suitable for use as a clumping animal litter according to another embodiment include an absorbent material and a superabsorbent polymer coupled to the absorbent material, where the superabsorbent polymer has a greater Jenkins osmotic potential than the absorbent material.

Abstract: Clumping animal litters containing composite particles with increased absorptivity and clump strength are disclosed. Reinforcing fiber materials are combined with a liquid-absorbing material to form composite particles suitable for use as animal litter. The reinforcing fiber materials add structural integrity to the liquid absorbent materials by acting in a manner similar to reinforcing bars (i.e., rebar) in concrete. The fibers need only be present in small percentages to show a consumer noticeable benefit.

Abstract: A sensory evaluation device, and methods of using the same, for the evaluation of the efficacy of odor-absorbing compositions, particularly animal litters. The sensory evaluation device includes a first chamber containing one odor-absorbing composition suitable for use as an animal litter coupled to a second chamber containing a second odor-absorbing composition suitable for use as an animal litter. Each odor-absorbing composition is dosed with an odor-emitting substance, preferably colored such that the dosing is visible. Each chamber contains a vapor-permeable barrier, which is capable of communication with the ambient environment. The vapor-permeable barriers are protected from the ambient environment by vapor-permeable barrier protectors, which are removably coupled to the vapor-permeable barriers. More than one sensory evaluation device may be comparatively used by a single user at one time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of activated carbon in amounts as low as 0.03% by wt. to control odor combined with a color-masking agent in traditional litter compositions. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) having a mean particle diameter less than 500 ?m is preferred. The color-masking agent and activated carbon can be incorporated into the litter composition by dry blending, agglomeration or spray coating.

Abstract: Composites and methods for making the same. A mixture of clay material and a light-weighting material is formed into a composite particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the composite particle material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Preferred methods for creating the composites include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: An absorbent composition with improved odor control and suitable for use as an animal litter, comprising an absorbent material, activated alumina, and optional additives.

Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.