Patents by Inventor Karla Litaker

Karla Litaker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Sizing methods and compositions for carbon dioxide dry cleaning
    Patent number: 6280481
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide while concurrently applying a sizing agent to the articles comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, a sizing agent. An organic co-solvent is preferably included. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. Preferred sizing agents are low molecular weight hydrocarbon resins. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: MiCell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernadette Storey-Laubach, Karla Litaker, James DeYoung, Gina Stewart