Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having highly unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties or branched chains in two long-chain hydrophobic groups with specific cis/trans ratios and having long chain hydrocarbon groups with an IV of from about 70 to about 140 for the unsaturated groups corresponding to fatty acids with the same number of carbons and the same configuration, and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. The fabric softener actives are preferably prepared in the presence of chelating agent and/or antioxidant, as disclosed herein. Such materials are new. Other solvents can be present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing solution, for use on inanimate surfaces. The solution comprises from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the solution, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin, an effective amount of a solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative having a water-solubility of greater than about 0.3%, optional perfume, and an aqueous carrier. The solution is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric and has a pH of greater than about 3. The solution can be incorporated into a spray dispenser to create an article of commerce that can facilitate treatment of articles and/or surfaces with uncomplexed cyclodextrin solutions of a level that is effective yet is not discernible when dried on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing malodor from fabrics; stable, aqueous odor-counteractant composition, preferably for use in the laundry; and articles comprising said composition and instructions for the method and/or benefits to be derived. The composition comprises malodor counteractants such as cyclodextrin, said cyclodextrin being protected from interaction with any other materials that might be present in said composition so as to maintain the cyclodextrin in uncomplexed form and/or, optionally, zeolites, clay, odor blockers, odor reactant such as class I and/or class II aldehydes, essential oil comprising flavanoid, metallic salt, water soluble anionic polymer, etc. to help control odor. Optionally, the composition can also contain low molecular weight polyols, chelating agents, etc. The composition is preferably essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

Abstract: Amine fabric softener actives are prepared in dispersion and/or clear form with materials to improve performance by increasing the cationic charge density. These materials include polycationic compounds, especially cationic polymers; single long-chain cationic compounds; and carboxylic acids that increase the acidity in the rinse, thus lowering pH and increasing the percentage of amine fabric softener active that is protonated. Antistatic properties are also improved.

Abstract: Fabric care compositions comprising a perfume, methods for using such compositions and systems for their use in a lipophilic fluid treatment process are provided. More particularly, the present invention relates to fabric care compositions and systems comprising a perfume, and methods for using such compositions in the cleaning and treatment of garments with a lipophilic fluid.

Abstract: A sensor device and method of employment is provided. More specifically, a sensor device adapted to detect, identify and/or measure a chemical and/or physical characteristic upon placement of the device into an environment, especially a liquid medium for which monitoring is sought is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous gel compositions comprising an odor controlling agent for deodorizing skin surfaces. Articles of manufacture and methods of deodorizing the skin using disclosed compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing and wrinkle controlling composition, preferably for use on inanimate surfaces, especially fabrics. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin and an effective amount of at least one ingredient to improve the performance of the composition selected from the group consisting of: (1) cyclodextrin compatible surfactant; (2) cyclodextrin compatible antimicrobial active; and (3) mixtures thereof. The composition also comprises a wrinkle control agent which is fabric lubricant, shape retention polymer, hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, or mixtures thereof. Hydrophilic perfume improves acceptance. Optionally, the composition can contain low molecular weight polyols; metallic salts to help control odor; a humectant, etc. The composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

Abstract: Clear or translucent rinse-added fabric softening compositions are provided via the present invention which have reduced solvent or solvatrope levels.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, while providing suitable wrinkle control, also tend to dispense poorly when sprayed. The present invention shows that when viscosity of polymer compositions is minimized spray dispensing improves. Several approaches to minimizing the viscosity of polymer compositions are disclosed. Methods of controlling wrinkles in fabrics comprise treating fabrics with a variety of polymer compositions following a variety of methods. Articles of manufacture comprise (1) a container or substrate, (2) a wrinkle controlling composition, and (3) a set of instructions.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrophilic curable alkoxylated silicone polymers for surface modification and are useful in, e.g., fiber and fabric care, hair care, skin care, surface care, and car care compositions. The compounds are curable silicone polymers which contain one or more polyalkyleneoxy groups, preferably polyalkyleneoxy pendant groups, comprising at least some ethyleneoxy units, said polyalkyleneoxy pendant groups are preferably capped with low molecular weight alkyl groups, such as C1-C6 alkyl groups. These compounds are substantive to the surface but keep the surface hydrophilic.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, while providing suitable wrinkle control, also tend to dispense poorly when sprayed. The present invention shows that when viscosity of polymer compositions is minimized spray dispensing improves. Several approaches to minimizing the viscosity of polymer compositions are disclosed. Methods of controlling wrinkles in fabrics comprise treating fabrics with a variety of polymer compositions following a variety of methods. Articles of manufacture comprise (1) a container or substrate, (2) a wrinkle controlling composition, and (3) a set of instructions.

Abstract: Amine fabric softener actives are prepared in dispersion and/or clear form with materials to improve performance by increasing the cationic charge density. These materials include polycationic compounds, especially cationic polymers; single long-chain cationic compounds; and carboxylic acids that increase the acidity in the rinse, thus lowering pH and increasing the percentage of amine fabric softener active that is protonated. Antistatic properties are also improved.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inantimate surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: Clear or translucent rinse-added fabric softening compositions are provided via the present invention which have reduced solvent or solvatrope levels. The composition according to the invention comprise: a) a fabric softening active; b) a principal solvent; c) a principal solvent extender, and d) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients. Preferred enbodiments include low perfume level formulations. A preferred class of principal solvent extenders includes hydrophobic oils that aids in fluidizing the system which is characterized by a freezing point of less than 22° C. for in a mixture of the principle solvent extender and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (20%/80% by wt.) These principal solvent extenders include materials such as benzyl benzoate, methyl esters derived from canola oil, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the preferred principal solvent extenders include cumene sulfonates, xylene sulfonates, toluene sulfonates, C6-C14 sulfonates and sulfates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having ester linkages in their long, hydrophobic chains. The fabric softener actives are either unsaturated, or have intermediate length chains (˜C12-14) and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. Other solvents may be present. Some of the said principal solvents are novel compounds and/or novel mixtures. Premixes of the fabric softening actives, the principal solvents, and, optionally, other solvents are useful in the preparation of complete formulations by obviating/limiting the need for heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating fabrics with a liquid bleaching composition comprising at least 3% of a peroxygen bleach and a dye maintenance agent, wherein said process comprises the steps of contacting said fabrics with said liquid composition in its neat or diluted form and washing said fabrics with an aqueous bath comprising water and a conventional laundry detergent, preferably comprising at least one surface active agent, before and/or during and/or after the step of contacting said fabrics with said liquid composition. The present invention also relates to articles of manufacture and methods for safely bleaching and/or removing stain from dark colored fabric. The article comprises a liquid bleach composition comprising peroxygen bleach and dye maintenance agent in a package and a set of instructions associated with the package. The method comprises the steps of providing a liquid bleach composition in a package; and providing a set of instructions associated with the package.

Abstract: Novel fatty acids and derivatives thereof such as salts, new surfactant systems comprising one or more of these compounds, consumer products such as laundry products, personal care products, pharmaceutical compositions, industrial cleaners, and the like comprising said compounds or surfactant systems.

Abstract: Highly concentrated, preferably clear or translucent, fabric softener compositions comprising at least 40% softener active and less than about 20% water by weight of the composition for dispensing during the rinse cycle of a washing machine or for handwashing. The composition may be a liquid, granule or other standard form that is placed directly in the rinse bath or placed in a dispensing device for delayed dispensing into the rinse bath. Alternatively and preferably, the concentrated composition is incorporated or encapsulated in a unitized article for dispensing in the rinse bath or placement in a dispensing device for subsequent dispensing. The use of these compositions and articles provide added convenience and excellent fabric softening without staining or leaving residue on the fabrics.