Abstract: A method to eject a fluid from a surface. The steps of the method are i.) vibrating a surface of a nozzle in a direction substantially normal to the surface and ii.) providing an amplitude of the vibration that is equal to or greater than about 120 microns.

Abstract: Field is ejected from a surface of an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a.) a power supply operating at a frequency; b.) a transducer, which upon being applied the power is made to vibrate with a first amplitude; c.) a vibrating nozzle, comprising the surface, which is acoustically coupled to the transducer, to transmit the transducer vibration to the surface with a second amplitude; and, d.) a control unit to control the power supply applied to the transducer. The fluid is delivered to the surface of the nozzle. During this time the control unit cycles the power applied to the transducer at the frequency between a low power level and a high power level. The fluid is ejected from the surface when the high power level (i.e., first power level) is applied to the transducer but not when the low power level (i.e., second power level) is applied to the transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nozzle for applying a coating to an exterior surface of a substrate. The ultrasonic nozzle has an ultrasonic nozzle having an amplitude. The amplitude is greater than 120 microns.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: Clear, or translucent fabric softener compositions comprise fabric softener compound, principal solvent system, and high electrolyte levels. The high electrolyte level allows for a broader range of principal solvents to be used and/or reduces the incidence of increased viscosity when low levels of principal solvent are used. Phase stabilizers which are primarily ethoxylated hydrophobic materials can be used to reduce the amount of principal solvent that is needed and/or to stabilize the compositions in the presence of the highest levels of electrolyte. Specific phase stabilizers provide additional benefits including improved softening. Specific electrolytes provide improved results. Addition of primary solvents and/or phase stabilizers to the softener compounds can improve the viscosity/handling of the compounds and the ability to create the finished compositions.

Abstract: Clear, or translucent fabric softener compositions comprise fabric softener compound, principal solvent system, and high electrolyte levels. The high electrolyte level allows for a broader range of principal solvents to be used and/or reduces the incidence of increased viscosity when low levels of principal solvent are used. Phase stabilizers which are primarily ethoxylated hydrophobic materials can be used to reduce the amount of principal solvent that is needed and/or to stabilize the compositions in the presence of the highest levels of electrolyte. Specific phase stabilizers provide additional benefits including improved softening. Specific electrolytes provide improved results. Addition of primary solvents and/or phase stabilizers to the softener compounds can improve the viscosity/handling of the compounds and the ability to create the finished compositions.

Abstract: Clear, or translucent fabric softener compositions comprise fabric softener compound, principal solvent system, and high electrolyte levels. The high electrolyte level allows for a broader range of principal solvents to be used and/or reduces the incidence of increased viscosity when low levels of principal solvent are used. Phase stabilizers which are primarily ethoxylated hydrophobic materials can be used to reduce the amount of principal solvent that is needed and/or to stabilize the compositions in the presence of the highest levels of electrolyte. Specific phase stabilizers provide additional benefits including improved softening. Specific electrolytes provide improved results. Addition of primary solvents and/or phase stabilizers to the softener compounds can improve the viscosity/handling of the compounds and the ability to create the finished compositions.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: N-alkyl polyhydroxy alkyl amines such as N-methyl glucamine having a Gardner Color of less than 1 are reacted with sources of fatty acyl groups such as methyl esters, anhydrides, and/or fatty acids that have greater than 98% transmittance at 460 nm in organic hydroxy solvents such as methanol to prepare N-alkyl polyhydroxy amine amides with good color. The N-alkyl polyhydroxyamines can be purified by crystallization, and/or subjected to reductive bleaching, to provide superior color. The reaction is preferably carried out at low temperature for short periods of time and with low catalyst levels to minimize formation of cyclic products. The resulting amide product can be further purified by treatment with anionic and cationic exchange resins to remove soap and amine impurities. The anionic ion exchange resin can be readily regenerated by acidifying it followed by washing with an organic solvent.

Abstract: N-alkyl polyhydroxy alkyl amines such as N-methyl glucamine having a Gardner Color of less than 1 are reacted with sources of fatty acyl groups such as methyl esters, anhydrides, and/or fatty acids that have greater than 98% transmittance at 460 nm in organic hydroxy solvents such as methanol to prepare N-alkyl polyhydroxy amine amides with good color. The N-alkyl polyhydroxyamines can be purified by crystallization, and/or subjected to reductive bleaching, to provide superior color. The reaction is preferably carried out at low temperature for short periods of time and with low catalyst levels to minimize formation of cyclic products. The resulting amide product can be further purified by treatment with anionic and cationic exchange resins to remove soap and amine impurities. The anionic ion exchange resin can be readily regenerated by acidifying it followed by washing with an organic solvent.