Abstract: Antistatic, fabric softening and soil release promoting compositions are disclosed which comprise nonionic detergent, soil release promoting agent of the PET-POET type, and a certain type of silicone polymer (designated Type X or Silicone X). Such compositions very preferably also include cationic fabric softener (CFS), polyacrylate, silicone glycol copolymer (SGC), and builder for the nonionic detergent, with adjuvants being optional.Also within the invention are compositions that comprise only some of the mentioned components, and such compositions may be employed as wash cycle additives to improve the properties of detergent compositions and of softergent compositions. Processes for manufacturing and using the invented compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-aqueous liquid heavy duty laundry detergent composition in the form of a suspension of builder salt in liquid nonionic surfactant is stabilized against phase separation by the incorporation of gas bubbles having an average particle size diameter of 10 to 100 microns. The gas bubbles are incorporated in an amount to equalize the densities of the continuous liquid phase and the dispersed phase. The gas bubbles are stabilized by incorporation of a stabilizer having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrocarbon group of about 5 to 21 carbon atoms,Q is a hydrogen atom, a Group IA metal, a Group IIA metal, a group having the formula --CH.sub.2 --CH(R.sup.1)--CH.sub.2 (R.sup.2), or a mixture thereof, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are, independently, --OH or R-C(O)O-- (R being as defined above); anda is 1 or 2, with the proviso that a=2 only when Q is a Group IIA metal.

Abstract: A fabric softening and detersive article, preferably in the form of a flexible non-woven fabric pouch, is permeable to passage of a contained fabric softening detergent composition into wash water in an automatic washing machine. The presence of a relatively minor proportion of anionic surfactant in the fabric softening detergent composition (which also contains nonionic detergent, cationic fabric softener and builder for the nonionic detergent) promotes passage of all or substantially all of the fabric softening detergent composition and its components through the pouch walls so that little or no residue remains therein after completion of the washing operation even when the wash water is cold, e.g., about 20.degree. C. Thus, efficiencies of washing and fabric softening are improved and no objectionable residue is left in the pouch, which could otherwise lead to consumer rejection of such a product.

Abstract: Particulate heavy duty detergent compositions, particularly for imparting improved softness and detersive effects to fabrics laundered therewith, include in addition to conventional builder and principally anionic surfactant components, particulate cationic softener of the di-lower-di-higher alkyl quaternary ammonium and/or heterocyclic imide type, e.g. imidazolinium, in admixture with an ethoxylated tertiary amine softener/dispersing agent, such as N-tallow tertiary amine ethoxylated with from about 2 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide. The cationic softener-ethoxylated amine mixture is in the form of a spaghetti, flake, or other shape and is present in the product composition as substantially homogeneously dispersed, discrete particles. A process of laundering fabrics using the above-mentioned composition is also described.

Abstract: In a mechanical press brake, a photoelectric sensor causes extension of an air cylinder in the linkage between the operating pedal and the clutch lever, thereby disabling the pedal whenever the operator's hand or arm is in dangerous proximity to the machine's ram. The piston of the air cylinder is connected to the pedal through a lost-motion, and the pedal is continuously urged toward its rest position by a spring. The lost-motion and spring prevent repeated extension and retraction of the cylinder from causing dangerous and annoying operation of the pedal during preparation for a forming operation.