Agitating To Form Larger Particles (i.e., Accretion Or Agglomeration) Patents (Class 264/117)
  • Patent number: 6017873
    Abstract: Two processes for producing agglomerated high density detergent compositions are provided. On process comprises blending secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate with a detergency builder to form a homogeneous powder mixture which is agglomerated with a surfactant paste mixture comprising C.sub.10-20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, C.sub.10-20 alkyl sulfates, C.sub.10-18 alkyl ethoxy sulfates having from about 1 to about 7 ethoxy groups, alcohol ethoxylates and polyethylene glycol and drying the agglomerates. Another process comprises blending secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate with a detergency builder to form a homogeneous powder mixture which is agglomerated with a liquid acid precursor of C.sub.10-20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate so as to form an agglomerated detergent composition which has a density of at least about 650 g/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Compnay
    Inventors: Stephen William Sikra, James Bert Royston
  • Patent number: 6013209
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for uniform granulation is disclosed. The method involves the use of an initial feedstock having particle size of -150 mesh and 90% or greater particle size of 200 mesh. The feedstock may be contacted in a pan granulator which includes a minor amount of nucleating material of about -35 mesh. Binder is introduced into the pan granulator to progressively layer the feedstock material onto the nucleating to form a final product having a size distribution -8 mesh to +4 mesh. The method is designed to be interruptible and is particularly useful for forming granules having a plurality of layers of differing material. The method has marked improvement over the prior art methods since a particularly fine granule can be formed in a relatively expedient process to result in a granule having high commercial value and high break strength. These factors are achievable in addition to 100% product usage with no waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Airborne Industrial Minerals Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Phinney
  • Patent number: 6013700
    Abstract: To provide a process capable of preparing a modified PTFE granular powder, in which the ganular powder having excellent handling property, i.e. powder flowability and apparent density is prepared without using a finely pulverized powder and a molded article obtained from the granular powder has excellent physical properties, and a process capable of preparing a modified PTFE granular powder, in which the ganular powder is granulated with only water without using an organic liquid and further a molded article having a break down voltage equal to that in the case of using a finely pulverized powder of unmodified PTFE can be obtained. The granulation is carried out by stirring, in an aqueous medium, a powder of perfluoro(vinyl ether)-modified polytetrafluoroethylene prepared by suspension polymerization and having an average particle size of 100 to 300 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Asano, Shingo Tanigawa, Shoji Kawachi, Tetsuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6013216
    Abstract: The present invention is intended for granulation of powder comprising the steps of mixing a powder and a mist of binder by fluidizing air flow, collecting the mixture of the powder and the binder on a filter surface thereby forming a powder layer thereon, peeling off the powder layer from the filter surface thereby crushing the powder layer into pieces, returning the crushed fragments into the fluidizing air flow and mixing them with the mist of binder again, repeating the steps until the desired granule is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Fujisaki Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osami Watanabe, Katsushi Kawashima, Koji Nagao, Masahiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5998357
    Abstract: A non-spray-dried particulate detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 600 g/liter, prepared by mixing and granulating liquid and solid ingredients in a high-speed mixer/granulator, contains a builder polymer and/or a soil-release polymer. The polymer is incorporated during the mixing and granulation process in the form of a non-aqueous premix with a non-aqueous diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Peter Willem Appel, Francois Delwel, Johan Christiaan Klein-Velderman
  • Patent number: 5990073
    Abstract: A process for the production of a detergent composition or component having a bulk density of less than 700 g/l which involves mixing a particulate starting material compound with a liquid binder in a mixer/granulator having both a stirring and a cutting action wherein the starting material contains a component, which is not a detergent active compound, having a bulk density of not more than 600 g/l is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Marcelito Abad Garcia, David Alan Jordan, Donald Peter, Chandulal Kantilal Ranpuria
  • Patent number: 5968891
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least about 700 g/l up to a bulk density of about 1100 g/l comprising: (a) providing a low density, particulate detergent or component stock comprising an organic surfactant, a water-soluble inorganic salt and, optionally, other materials, the stock having a bulk density of no more than about 600 g/l; (b) subjecting the low density, particulate stock to high-shear agglomeration whereby the particulate stock is subjected to high-shear forces in intimate contact with a liquid consisting essentially of water in an amount and for a time sufficient (1) to fluidize, wet with water, and mechanically mill the stock to a smaller particle size and (2) to partially agglomerate the wetted, milled stock; (c) subjecting the partially agglomerated stock to rotating agglomeration for a time sufficient to produce, when dried, a further agglomerated, granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Gil Albarracin Mallari, Hans Jorgen Andresen, Joseph Raymond Schorle
  • Patent number: 5958865
    Abstract: A process of making a powdered detergent aggregate comprising in a single pass process the step of introducing an absorptive soda ash into an agglomerator, forming a soda ash curtain within the agglomerator, spraying a surfactant onto the soda ash curtain, forming a curtain of resultant soda ash/surfactant product, spraying a silicate thereon, and adding additional surfactant to produce a non-caking soda ash/silicate/surfactant aggregate having 40-69 weight percent soda ash, 7-14 weight percent silicate, and 14-26 weight percent surfactant having a loose bulk density of from 600-1000 g/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Kline, Jim Mahar, Anthony P. Zampirri
  • Patent number: 5947888
    Abstract: Process for insolubilizing and consolidating in pellet form the spent linings from electrolysis cells for the production of aluminium comprising grinding said spent linings and mixing them thoroughly with various pulverulent refractory additives before heating, characterized in that after the addition of:a first additive intended to fix the alkali metals during firing, which is chosen from the group of aluminosilicates,and subsequently a second additive intended firstly to combine with the impregnating fluoride compounds during firing to form new stable, insoluble compounds, and secondly through its non-combined excess part to assure the consolidation of the mixture, and is chosen from the group of calcium oxides and salts, preferably limestone cements and mortars,the intimate mixture of ground, spent linings and said first and second pulverulent additives is agglomerated into pellet form before firing at a temperature in the range of from 700.degree. C. to 950.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminium Pechiney
    Inventors: Pierre Personnet, Gilbert Bouzat
  • Patent number: 5948262
    Abstract: Particulate material for use in waste water treatment. The material comprises granules of a plastic material (e.g. poly-ethylene), each of which contains a plurality of grains of a substantially inert mineral (e.g. sand) coated thereon to provide a habitat for microorganisms effective in waste water treatment. The granules will have a predetermined particle size which is governed by the particle size range of the granules, e.g 3-10 mm and the grains will have a predetermined particle size range, e.g. 0.1-3.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignees: Proceff Limited, John James Todd
    Inventors: John James Todd, Adrian Hopwood
  • Patent number: 5945395
    Abstract: The method for producing nonionic detergent granules includes the steps of (I) blending the following (i) to (iii): (i) at least one of a nonionic surfactant and an aqueous nonionic surfactant solution; (ii) an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant capable of having a lamellar orientation; (iii) at least one of an alkali builder and an alkali, porous oil-absorbing carrier, to give a mixture of detergent starting materials containing the nonionic surfactant as a main surfactant component; and (II) heating the mixture obtained in step (I) at least up to a temperature capable of neutralizing the acid precursor of the anionic surfactant in an agitating mixer, and granulating while tumbling the agitating mixer thereby increasing a bulk density, to give nonionic detergent granules having a bulk density of from 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: KAO Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamashita, Koji Toyoda, Masaaki Sakaue, Yasuji Yamada, Teruo Kubota, Hiroshi Kogurusu
  • Patent number: 5935923
    Abstract: A process for preparation of a granular detergent composition which process comprises the steps of(i) forming a liquid feedstock comprising a liquid binder and a structurant;(ii) dosing the liquid feedstock and a solid component into a high-speed mixer/densifier, to form a granular detergent material and forming or introducing further structurant in the high-speed mixer/densifier;(iii) subsequently treating the granular detergent material in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into or maintained in a deformable state; and(iv) drying and/or cooling the product of step (iii).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Anshu Mali Gupta
  • Patent number: 5929021
    Abstract: A process for producing a detergent powder or a composition therefore involving partial granulation in a high or low shear granulator followed by granulation in a very low shear mixer, for example a fluid bed is disclosed. The process allows powders to be produced over a wide range of bulk densities without the use of a spray-drying step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinodkumar Ramniranjan Dhanuka, Fakhruddin Esmail Pacha
  • Patent number: 5919747
    Abstract: Preparation of secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate particles comprises admixing secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactants with a deagglomerating agent such as zeolite or silica. The resulting powder is agglomerated with a nonionic surfactant, and formed into particles. The particles are then coated with a free-flow aid. Secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate particles treated in this manner have improved solubility characteristics for use in laundry detergents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Takashi Kazuta, Fukuji Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5916868
    Abstract: A process for preparing a free-flowing high bulk density granular laundry detergent product comprises pre-blending a powder admixture comprising (1) between about 40-90 weight percent of a water soluble detergent builder wherein at least 70 weight percent of the detergent builder is sodium carbonate, and (b) between about 0.5-10 weight percent of alkali metal chloride salt, (2) forming a builder-surfactant powder by blending the step (1) admixture with between about 5-40 weight percent of a detergent active ingredient which is a blend of sulfated ethoxylated alcohols and nonionic ethoxylated alcohols, (3) subjecting the builder-surfactant powder to treatment with water under agglomerating conditions, and (4) drying the detergent composition to provide a free-flowing granular laundry detergent product having a bulk density of at least 650 grams per liter, and in which the detergent granule surfaces are coated with a glossy shell of alkali metal salt crystallites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc
    Inventors: Louis R. Mazzola, Anthony J. Falotico
  • Patent number: 5891423
    Abstract: Method of treating dry, free flowing, dust forming compositions with selected liquids to agglomerate a portion of the particles into groups of particles of sufficient size so that the treated compositions are substantially dust free and retain their free flowing properties, and the compositions produced by such treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Clairol, Incorporated
    Inventor: George Weeks
  • Patent number: 5888419
    Abstract: Granules are provided that are useful for oxidizing applications when the granules are dissolved in the presence of an active oxygen source. These granules include a salt having the structure of Formula I ##STR1## wherein A is a saturated ring formed by a plurality of atoms in addition to the N.sub.1 atom, the saturated ring atoms including at least one carbon atom and at least one of O, S, and N atoms, the substituent R.sub.1 bound to the N.sub.1 atom of the Formula I structure including either (a) a C.sub.1-24 alkyl or alkoxylated alkyl where the alkoxy is C.sub.2-4, (b) a C.sub.4-24 cycloalkyl, (c) a C.sub.7-24 alkaryl, (d) a repeating or nonrepeating alkoxy or alkoxylated alcohol, where the alkoxy unit is C.sub.2-4, or (e) --CR.sub.2 R.sub.3 C.tbd.N where R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each H, a C.sub.1-24 alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkaryl, or a repeating or nonrepeating alkoxyl or alkoxylated alcohol where the alkoxy unit is C.sub.2-4, the R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 substituents being each H, a C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignees: The Clorox Company, BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Victor M. Casella, Ulrich Brockel, Clement K. Choy, James E. Deline, Lafayette D. Foland, Susan P. Huestis, Kevin A. Klotter, Sarah A. Perkins, David Peterson, Michael J. Petrin, Martin J. Phillippi, William P. Sibert, Michael Schonherr, Hans Peter Seelmann-Eggebert, William L. Smith, Alfred G. Zielske, Thomas W. Kaaret
  • Patent number: 5868982
    Abstract: A system for making densified glass fiber pellets from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, and densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube for a period of time sufficient to increase their density but insufficient to degrade the fibers to a point where composite articles formed from such pellets have lower tensile or impact strengths than comparable composite articles formed from unpelletized strand segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Strait, Homer G. Hill, Robert A. Schweizer, Stephen Seng
  • Patent number: 5849240
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of particles comprises mechanically working a mixture of a drug and a hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic fusible carrier in a high speed mixture so as to form agglomerates, breaking the agglomerates to give controlled release particles and optionally continuing the mechanical working with the optional addition of a low percentage of the carrier or diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Euro-Celtique, S.A.
    Inventors: Ronald Brown Miller, Stewart Thomas Leslie, Sandra Therese Antoinette Malkowska, Derek Allan Prater, Treavor John Knott, Joanne Heafield, Deborah Challis
  • Patent number: 5843879
    Abstract: A bleaching activiator granulate produced by granulating (A) a bleaching activator selected from alkylcarbonyloxybenzene carboxylic acids, alklcarbonyloxybenzene sulfonic acids and salts thereof, and (B) an .alpha.-olefinsulfonate with (C) a water-soluble binder, which makes it possible to provide bleaching activator granulate having improved solubility and storability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Lion Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsunaga, Hiroshi Kimura, Tuneharu Mukaiyama, Toshiyuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5840333
    Abstract: Method for the preparation of an improved oral formulation of active ingredients belonging to the class of quinolones. The method is characterized by an intermediate compacting and grinding stage, before compression of the mixture of the active ingredient and excipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer S.A.
    Inventors: Gabriel Gousset, Philippe Riviere
  • Patent number: 5800755
    Abstract: An agglomerated active with controlled release comprising a particulate solid active material and a binder characterised in that the binder comprises from 0.02 to 5% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol, based on the total weight of the agglomerate. The binder system simultaneously provides the desired hardness and release characteristics while maintaining a high level of actives. The active may be a bleach activator such as Tetraacetylethylenediamine.A process for manufacturing the agglomerate comprises the steps of mixing a particulate solid active material and optionally a portion of polyvinyl alcohol and optionally also a co-binder and then adding an agglomerating solution which optionally contains polyvinyl alcohol binder while mixing and agglomerating and drying the agglomerates to obtain an agglomerate with average particle size in the range 1-2000 microns wherein the agglomerate comprises from 0.02 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the agglomerate of polyvinyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Warwick International Group Limited
    Inventors: John David Withenshaw, Mark Ardern Chadwick, William John Wilson
  • Patent number: 5795856
    Abstract: The method for producing detergent particles having a high bulk density, the method being characterized by mixing granulated detergent particles having a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/liter, while applying a shearing force to particles caused by a contact of the particles with each other in a mixer. According to the production method using a drum mixer of the present invention, it is possible to increase the bulk density of the detergent particles by 50 to 200 g/liter, wherein the granulated detergent particles or that of the granulated detergent particles subjected to a treatment of increasing bulk density by conventional methods have a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/liter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hatano, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Masaaki Sakaue, Koji Toyoda, Yasuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 5779945
    Abstract: A process for producing granules from a liquid composition which includes the steps of applying the liquid composition onto solid particles of the same composition circulating in the granulation zone of a granulator, thereby causing particles to grow, discharging a stream of grown particles from the granulation zone, cooling this stream in a cooler, and dividing the stream exiting the cooler, in a size-sorting apparatus, into three streams of grown particles based on size. The stream of desired-sized particles is withdrawn for future use or processing, the stream of undersized particles is returned to the granulation zone and the stream of oversized particles is sent to a size-reducing apparatus for crushing, with the resulting crushed particles recycled back to the cooler located downstream of the granulator and upstream of the size-sorting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter J. B. Nijsten, Peter J. M. Starmans
  • Patent number: 5772937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus used in said method, to produce aggregate products from waste material streams. The method comprises combining an encapsulation material with waste materials to form a mix suitable for granulation. This mix is then feed to a granulation means to form particles having a size suitable for thermal treatment in a bed thermal processing means, which can be a fluid bed system or a spouting bed system. In the bed thermal processing apparatus the particles are converted into an aggregate product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Fuller Company
    Inventors: Sidney M. Cohen, Michael E. Prokesch
  • Patent number: 5772930
    Abstract: A method of producing a cathode mixture for batteries is disclosed. It comprises supplying a wet mixture containing a cathode active material, a binding agent and a conductive material onto a disc having a horizontal surface and rotating around its vertical axis, moving the mixture along the upper and side surfaces of the disc to obtain spherical granules. A liquid mixture can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hashimoto, Fumio Daio, Kenichi Ohshima, Akira Iguchi
  • Patent number: 5770138
    Abstract: An improved granule product derived from pulp or paper sludge or other fibrous plant materials prepared by adjusting the moisture content of raw pulp or paper sludge, reducing the fiber size of the sludge, agitating the sludge to cause cellulosic fibers to interlock and bond to form granules, tumbling the granules in a rolling device and then drying the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Thermo Fibergen, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick L. Yoder
  • Patent number: 5750061
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing solid halogenated hydantoin products using the process of melt extrusion. The form of the products which can be produced includes tablets, briquettes, pucks, dispensers, "designer" forms such as Christmas ornaments, pellets, and granules. The halogenated hydantoin compounds used in the forms contain methylethylhydantoin or an admixture of methylethylhydantoin and dimethylhydantoin. The halogenated hydantoin compositions used to make the forms can also include additives such as solubility modifiers, compaction aids, fillers, surfactants, dyes, fragrances, dispersants, lubricants, mold releases, detergent builders, corrosion inhibitors, chelants, stabilizers, biocides, bromide sources, or oxidizing halogen compositions. The present invention is also the product which is made via the melt extrusion method. The invention also is a method of obtaining an improved feedstock via melt extrusion and the improved feedstock product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lonza Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Farina, Kenneth Scott Geick, Julia Anne Falter
  • Patent number: 5736502
    Abstract: A process for preparing a granular detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l comprises treating a spray-dried material in a high-speed mixer, adding water and hydratable compound to the spray dried material in a moderate-speed mixer, drying and/or cooling the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Carole Patricia Denise Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5736501
    Abstract: The method for producing nonionic detergent granules includes the steps of (I) blending the following (i) to (iii): (i) at least one of a nonionic surfactant and an aqueous nonionic surfactant solution; (ii) an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant capable of having a lamellar orientation; (iii) at least one of an alkali builder and an alkali, porous oil-absorbing carrier, to give a mixture of detergent starting materials containing the nonionic surfactant as a main surfactant component; and (II) heating the mixture obtained in step (I) at least up to a temperature capable of neutralizing the acid precursor of the anionic surfactant in an agitating mixer, and granulating while tumbling the agitating mixer thereby increasing a bulk density, to give nonionic detergent granules having a bulk density of from 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamashita, Koji Toyoda, Masaaki Sakaue, Yasuji Yamada, Teruo Kubota, Hiroshi Kogurusu
  • Patent number: 5733862
    Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) continuously mixing a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein said surfactant paste includes, by weight of said surfactant paste, from about 0.1% to about 50% of a non-aqueous binder, from about 70% to about 95% of a detersive surfactant, and the balance water; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further density and agglomerate the detergent agglomerates; and (c) drying said detergent agglomerates so as to form the high density detergent composition. The process may include one or more additional processing steps such as adding a coating agent after the moderate speed mixer/densifier to facilitate and control agglomeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Scott William Capeci, David Robert Nassano
  • Patent number: 5723160
    Abstract: The plant for treating powders or granules enables a considerable simplification of the operation of cleaning the filters, and a more efficient centering of the basket container, and includes a tubular casing coupled in a detachable manner to a cover and a base structure. The tubular casing may be rotatable around a horizontal axis on opposing aligned appendages, and the base structure may include a basket resting on a trolley which can be lifted in a guided manner to couple with the bottom edge of the casing. The plant may be used in a wide variety of industrial applications, in particular in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: ICO Oleodinamici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Nora, Ruggero Barani
  • Patent number: 5716569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of storage-stable granules essentially comprising a bleaching activator and an inorganic binder material, which comprises the process steps:a) mixing of a dry bleaching activator with a dry inorganic binder material,b) pressing of this mixture to give relatively large agglomerates andc) comminution of these agglomerates to the desired particle size.The invention furthermore relates to the use of the granules prepared by the processes in detergents, cleaning compositions, bleaching compositions and disinfectants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Berenbold, Georg Borchers, Jurgen Cramer, Gerhard Noltner, Gerd Reinhardt, Wilfried Schuler
  • Patent number: 5707958
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least about 700 g/l up to a bulk density of about 1100 g/l comprising: (a) providing a low density, particulate detergent or component stock comprising an organic surfactant, a water-soluble inorganic salt and, optionally, other materials, the stock having a bulk density of no more than about 600 g/l; (b) subjecting the low density, particulate stock to high-shear agglomeration whereby the particulate stock is subjected to high-shear forces in intimate contact with a liquid consisting essentially of water in an amount and for a time sufficient (1) to fluidize, wet with water, and mechanically mill the stock to a smaller particle size and (2) to partially agglomerate the wetted, milled stock; (c) subjecting the partially agglomerated stock to rotating agglomeration for a time sufficient to produce, when dried, a further agglomerated, granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Gil Albarracin Mallari, Hans Jorgen Andresen, Joseph Raymond Schorle
  • Patent number: 5704972
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and mixture for use in forming strong light-weight aggregate and includes by weight about; 68% to 95% fly-ash, 2% to 10% hydrated lime, and 3% to 12% alkali hydroxide such as Sodium Hydroxide. While many types of fly-ash may be used, Type F or Type C fly-ash are preferred. The admix is mixed with water to form a slurry including water in a range of 10% to 25% by weight of the dry mixture and the slurry is then compacted. The compacted slurry is then cured such as by using a rotary kiln or by in situ open air curing. The cured slurry is then allowed to hydrolyzed to form a hard material which then may be crushed and optionally screened to form an aggregate having a particular size or range of sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Trans Ash, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Ivkovich
  • Patent number: 5702677
    Abstract: A process for producing spherical, non-porous hydroxyapatite particles having a size which does not exceed 250 microns and having a density of at least 3.00 g/cc. The process comprises agglomerating in the presence of water as the only additive hydoxyapatite powder feedstock having a purity of at least 97%, and having metallic impurities which do not exceed 500 ppm, to form hydroxyapatite particles having a size which does not exceed 350 microns. The particles are then dried and then sintered at a temperature from about 1,100.degree. C. to about 1,200.degree. C. to provide spherical, non-porous hydoxyapatite particles which do not exceed 250 microns and having a density of at least 3.00 g/cc. Such particles have a variety of medical uses, including bone replacement, implant coatings, and dental applications such as alveolar ridge augmentation, root extraction site fillings, restoration of periodontal osseous lesions, and soft tissue augmentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Osteotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Shimp, Peter J. Renkema
  • Patent number: 5700497
    Abstract: An agglomerator structure, used in conjunction with a sifting structure, is described to provide variable sized agglomerates and uniform agglomeration, using at least one cone, with apex pointing toward the feed flow, and an inverted cone with a screen below. The agglomerator structure is provided to enable convenient use in a sanitary environment, with the system including an agglomerator cone above the inverted cone, which defines a central opening for feeding the material to one or more screens. The system is primarily designed for use with a vibration-imparting structure to better enable use in a sanitary environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Kason Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Stone, William J. Zhao, Hossein Alamzad
  • Patent number: 5698186
    Abstract: Method of treating dry, free flowing, dust forming compositions with selected liquids to agglomerate a portion of the particles into groups of particles of sufficient size so that the treated compositions are substantially dust free and retain their free flowing properties, and the compositions produced by such treatment
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Clairol, Inc.
    Inventor: George Weeks
  • Patent number: 5695701
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of an agglomerated material from a powder or a liquid or both and having a trough-shaped fluidizing path, in the bottom part of which fluidization gas is blown in with an essential component directed towards the center line of the bottom of the path, gives a very advantageous material flow, which makes an effective agglomeration possible under attainment of superior product properties. The apparatus makes it possible by a process according to the invention to carry through the agglomeration with a particularly big powder humidity and a subsequent low re-humidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Niro Holding A/S
    Inventors: Christian Reedtz Funder, Jens Mourits S.o slashed.rensen, Morten Mohr Hansen
  • Patent number: 5691297
    Abstract: A process for continuously preparing high density detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain agglomerates having a Dispersion Index in a range of from about 1 to about 6, whereinDispersion Index=A/BA is the surfactant level in the agglomerates having a particle size of at least 1100 microns, and B is the surfactant level in the agglomerates having a particle size less than about 150 microns; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify, build-up and agglomerate the agglomerates; and (c) conditioning the agglomerates such that the flow properties of the agglomerates are improved, thereby forming the high density detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Robert Nassano, Scott William Capeci
  • Patent number: 5683619
    Abstract: A method of making a vegetation-friendly ice melting composition with sub-zero ice melting characteristics is described. The method of making the composition includes mixing from about 60-90 parts by weight non-fully hydrated ice melter, which is preferably calcium chloride with from about 10-40 parts by weight of fertilizer, which is preferably urea. The most preferred composition is about 70 parts by weight of calcium chloride and about 30 parts by weight urea. The calcium chloride and urea are preferably admixed first to coat the calcium chloride. To this mixture is added a measured amount of powdered non-fully hydrated calcium chloride as a solid coatant. The non-fully hydrated calcium chloride by hydration forms a coating around the ice melt base. The resultant mixture is discharged from the mixer, screened and packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ossian, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Ossian, Norbert J. Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 5665692
    Abstract: A process wherein the particle size of high density detergent agglomerates produced via agglomeration of a high active surfactant paste can be effectively and inexpensively controlled. More particularly, the process invention includes the step of regulating the level of carbonate in a highly active surfactant paste which is combined with other detergent ingredients in an agglomeration process. The agglomeration process also includes the step of treating the surfactant paste and other detergent ingredients in a high speed mixer/densifier followed by a low or moderate speed mixer/densifier resulting in detergent agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: George John Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 5651915
    Abstract: This composition consists of a coated composition of solid ice melting agents, abrasives and absorbents. The coated composition employs a coating of calcium chloride.The method of making the composition, also part of the invention, includes placing a solid ice melting agent such as urea, potassium chloride, sodium chloride and abrasives such as sand, gravel, cinders, and absorbents (i.e. calcined diatomaceous earth) into a mechanical stirring device; and spraying a measured amount of adhering solution on to the medium. This adhering solution may be made up, but not limited to, plain water, solutions of organic or inorganic solids with ice melting properties, etc. To this mixture is added a measured amount of powdered non-fully hydrated calcium chloride as a solid coatant. The non-fully hydrated calcium chloride by hydration forms a coating around the ice melt base. The resultant mixture is discharged from the mixer, screened and packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Ossian, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Ossian, Norbert J. Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 5645614
    Abstract: In the process, the wet sewage sludge originating from a preceding mechanical dewatering is mixed with brown coal, brown coal coke or their mixtures in a weight ratio of sewage sludge to brown coal or its mixtures with brown coal coke of 1:3 to 3:1 and subsequently compacted wet at moderate compaction pressures above 50 bar to dimensionally stable mouldings. The briquetted mouldings can then be fed to a power station boiler as an auxiliary fuel to a thermal utilization or utilized chemically in a pyrolysis or gasification process for the production of fuel gas or synthesis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignees: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Rheinbraun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Dummersdorf, Gunther Herbst, Manfred Erken, Franz-Josef Menge, Helmut Kreusing
  • Patent number: 5628945
    Abstract: A method for controlling chemical distribution of substances in a solid state (and products produced thereby), the method comprising the steps of mixing particles of a first powder and a triggerable granule facilitator to form first microcapsules, the first microcapsules each having a core of one of the particles and a cladding of the facilitator; and triggering the facilitator while dry mixing the microcapsules to form substantially spherical granules of the microcapsules, the granules each having a controlled chemical distribution.The method also includes the steps of mixing particles of a second powder with the facilitator to form second microcapsules, the second microcapsules each having a core of one of the particles of the second powder and a cladding of the facilitator; and then mixing the first and the second microcapsules prior to said triggering step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventors: Richard E. Riman, Paul R. Mort, III
  • Patent number: 5620643
    Abstract: A method for forming agglomerated powder particles whereby powder particles absorb energy pulses emanating from a high intensity light source, which causes particles to soften to produce agglomerated powder particles by inter-particle contact, reducing the amount of fines, and producing agglomerated powder particles of increased average particle size, having smooth surfaces and improved flow characteristics for bulk powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph I. Maiden, William A. Hendrickson, John T. Boden
  • Patent number: 5616550
    Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a granular detergent composition comprising:(a) pregranulating at least 40% by weight of a mixture of solid and liquid detergent components, based on the total weight of the solid and liquid cleaning components, in a first low-speed mixer/granulator having mixing tools contained therein, to form a pregranulated detergent mixture; and(b) granulating the pregranulated detergent mixture in a second high-speed mixer/granulator to form a final granular detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Hans-Friedrich Kruse, Hans-Josef Beaujean, Thomas Holderbaum, Jochen Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5609921
    Abstract: The plasma spray method produces a material deposit on a substrate to form either a protective coating of a near net shape body, or produces a powder of a given material. The material is supplied to a plasma discharge in the form of a suspension comprising small solid particles of that material dispersed into a liquid or semi-liquid carrier substance. The suspension is brought into the plasma discharge by an atomizing probe using a pressurized gas to shear the suspension and thus atomize it into a stream of fine droplets. The plasma discharge vaporizes the carrier substance and agglomerate the small solid particles into partially or totally melted drops which are accelerated to hit the substrate and form thereon the coating or near net shape body. Alternatively, the molten drops can be solidified in-flight and collected into a vessel to produce a powder of that material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Universite de Sherbrooke
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Gitzhofer, Etienne Bouyer, Maher I. Boulos
  • Patent number: 5599475
    Abstract: This composition consists of a coated composition of solid ice melting agents, abrasives and absorbents. The coated composition employs a coating of calcium chloride.The method of making the composition, also part of the invention, includes placing a solid ice melting agent such as urea, potassium chloride, sodium chloride and abrasives such as sand, gravel, cinders, and absorbents (i.e. calcined diatomaceous earth) into a mechanical stirring device; and spraying a measured amount of adhering solution on to the medium. This adhering solution may be made up, but not limited to, plain water, solutions of organic or inorganic solids with ice melting properties, etc. To this mixture is added a measured amount of powdered non-fully hydrated calcium chloride as a solid coatant. The non-fully hydrated calcium chloride by hydration forms a coating around the ice melt base. The resultant mixture is discharged from the mixer, screened and packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ossian, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Ossian, Norbert J. Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 5585180
    Abstract: Glass microfibers having diameters of less than one micron are useful in engineered plastics to achieve very smooth surfaces and thermal stability in composite parts. As made, glass microfibers are very bulky and intertwined making it impossible to meter and feed the material using conventional equipment. The processes used for chopping and milling coarser glass fibers to prepare them for engineered plastic composites are unsatisfactory for glass microfibers for various reasons. It has been discovered that flowable glass microfiber agglomerate products can be made by processing the microfiber in a muller mill or in a self impact mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Fadell