To Form Particulate Product (e.g., Flakes, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/140)
  • Patent number: 6238615
    Abstract: The present invention provides method of molding a polyolefin-based resin comprising the steps of dissolving at least one dibenzylidene sorbitol compound in a molten polyolefin resin, cooling the molten resin to a temperature not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the cooling cycle to form network-like crystals of the dibenzylidene sorbitol compound, and molding the resulting resin composition at a temperature not lower than the melting temperature of the polyolefin-based resin but not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the heating cycle; and a polyolefin resin molded article obtainable by this molding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: New Japan Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kobayashi, Kiyoshi Sadamitsu
  • Patent number: 6235893
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is a methylcellulose having a methoxy substitution of about 21 to about 42 percent based upon the weight of the cellulose ether and elastic modulus (EM) of EM≧181.3×(v0.2711) wherein “v” is viscosity of a two percent solution of the cellulose ether at 20° C. Further described is a process for making the cellulose ether, a food composition containing it, and a pharmaceutical capsule containing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Reibert, Jerry R. Conklin
  • Patent number: 6228301
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a simulated wood product utilizing pulverized powders obtained from recycled building members as raw material, in which the building members have recycled wooden members made of wooden materials and resinous members made of resinous materials, the manufacturing method further including a mixing process for mixing the recycled wooden members, a pulverization process for pulverizing the mixed materials obtained in the mixing process to form pulverized powder, a kneading process for kneading the pulverized powders obtained by the pulverizing process, and a molding process for molding the kneaded materials obtained in the kneading process either by an extrusion or injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Misawa Homes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Taguchi, Keishiro Umemura
  • Patent number: 6211137
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositions having a density of at least of about 600 g/l comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed and (b) granulating the first agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Wayne Edward Beimesch, Jose Francisco Correa Romo, Steven Barrett Rogers
  • Patent number: 6207635
    Abstract: A process for preparing detergent agglomerates is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) preparing a mixture of detergent components in a mixer, and (b) agglomerating the mixture from step (a) in a moderate speed mixer to produce detergent agglomerates. The detergent components include (1) from about 20% to about 35% of a surfactant compound selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and acid precursors of anionic surfactants; (2) from about 0% to about 65% of a particulate phosphate builder selected from the group consisting of polyphosphate, pyrophosphate, and mixtures thereof; (3) from about 6% to about 60% of a particulate carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Scott Adams, Bruce Albert Yeazell, Eric Fitzgerald Riddick, Junan Kao
  • Patent number: 6203736
    Abstract: The invention relates to platelet-shaped interference pigments for effect paints for painting objects of daily use, especially vehicle bodies, with the interference pigments including liquid crystal polymers (LCP) with main and/or side groups—mesogens—which are arranged at least approximately chirally-nematically or the like. In order to be able to paint different colored backgrounds in a covering fashion using the transparent interference pigments, the interference pigments are built up in several layers and also have at least one and preferably two interfering layer(s) of liquid crystal polymers and even of a single, preferably centrally located, light-absorbent layer, with the light-absorbent layer absorbing at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. Advantageously the light-absorbent layer can absorb light in the entire visible light spectrum, in other words appear black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Gailberger, Katja Strelzyk, Karl Holdik, Fritz Dannenhauer, Erik Grosse, Andreas Stohr
  • Patent number: 6183781
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing an implantable polymer/drug matrix mass, comprising the steps of (1) forming a polymer solution/drug mixture comprising a polymer dissolved in an organic solvent and a suspended labile drug; (2) removing the solvent from the polymer solution/drug mixture, thereby forming a solid polymer/drug matrix; and (3) mechanically compressing the polymer/drug matrix, thereby forming an implantable polymer/drug matrix mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Burke
  • Patent number: 6174851
    Abstract: Storage-stable homogeneous granules with detersive properties, which are obtained by agglomeration of one or more solids with one or more granulation liquids in a free-fall mixer divided into a mixing zone and a post-mixing zone and comprising a knock-down bar fixed to an end plate from which it crosses the entire mixing zone and optionally extends into the post-mixing zone and are optionally aftertreated, may be produced by in situ neutralization of anionic surfactant acids. The products thus produced show distinct performance advantages, the process also having cost-efficient aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
    Inventors: Hubert Harth, Franz Pfeifer, Gisela Nitsch, Johann Seif, Herbert Senger, Petra-Stefanie Madle
  • Patent number: 6172033
    Abstract: A process for conditioning pastes comprising at least 40% by weight of anionic surfactant is provided. The paste is conditioned by mixing alkyl sulphate powder with the surfactant paste in a ratio of at least 1 part powder to 100 parts paste. This conditioning step increases the viscosity of the surfactant paste. The conditioned paste is processed into agglomerates by granulating with builder powders wherein the ratio of high viscosity paste to builder powder is from 9:1 to 1:5. This process enables detergent agglomerates with high surfactant activity to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lucas Goovaerts, Liben Hailu
  • Patent number: 6172034
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6156719
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a low density, preferably about 300 g/l to about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) (i) dispersing an aqueous or non-aqueous surfactant, and (ii) coating the surfactant with fine powders having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in the mixer which is operated under certain conditions to obtain irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders and, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders from step (a), in a mixer which is operated under certain conditions to bind the excessive fine powders onto the irregular-shaped granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivanan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6150323
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) granulating the second agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process can also comprise further step (b'), i.e., spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6143711
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns in a mixer fitted with choppers, and (b) granulating the agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus, wherein finely atomized liquid is sprayed onto the first agglomerates in a mixer between step (a) and (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch
  • Patent number: 6140301
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l comprises the step of dispersing a liquid binder throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer to form granular agglomerates, wherein the product stream comprises crystalline zeolite. A having an oil absorbing capacity of at least 40 ml/100 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Rutherford Brougham, George Burgess
  • Patent number: 6136777
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed; (b) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed; and (c) granulating the third agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process is improved by further step (b'), by thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c), wherein, in step (b'), choppers are used to reduce the amount of oversized agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6132659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of lenticular tablets by melt calendering in which molding rolls with depressions in the shape of segments of an ellipsoid are used. The process according to the invention affords tablets which are easily deflashed and in which the tablet residue to be abraded when there is a displacement between the upper and lower half of the tablet is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Rosenberg, Werner Maier, Jorg Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 6126874
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive, open cell, mechanically robust and graphitizable foam preform. The graphitizable foam is produced via a modified standard flower foam formulation. The invention provides a modified formula for such flower foams wherein a mesophase material is incorporated along with a corresponding reduction in the resole component. The mesophase material replaces 30-70% by weight (a target of 50% by weight) of the resole component of the formulation. The formulation is heated to effect foaming of the mixture, and then carbonized to produce an open cell, graphitizable foam preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Dillon, Charles A. Parker, Richard R. McCormick, Jonathon K. Chatwood, Mark Rigali
  • Patent number: 6121229
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) the second agglomerates are thoroughly mixed in a mixer to provide rounding and growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6100305
    Abstract: A water-absorbent resin is produced by crushing a mass of crosslinked hydrogel polymer having high adhesion and elastic properties without kneading it, and drying the crushed crosslinked hydrogel polymer. In the case when the crosslinked hydrogel polymer includes cells therein, the crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed so as to restrain reduction in the number of cells contained in the crosslinked hydrogel polymer. The crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed by any of crushing methods including: shearing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a fixed blade and a rotary blade; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a pair of rotary blades that are mounted on different shafts and rotate while at least partly overlapping each other; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a rotary blade using a lubricant; and crushing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer after freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Miyake, Yoshihiro Motono, Nobuyuki Harada, Akito Yano, Teruyuki Kanto, Shigeru Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6093690
    Abstract: A process for producing an agglomerated detergent composition comprises premixing an acid precursor of a detersive surfactant and a water-soluble or dispersible, modified polyamine in a mixer to form a premix, inputting the premix and dry detergent materials such as builders into a high speed mixer/densifier and neutralizing the acid precursor to form agglomerates and further agglomerating in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to form a detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Benjamin Edgar Chapman
  • Patent number: 6083431
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing materials solidified with sulfur, comprising the steps of bringing the water content of a mixture of sulfur and a raw material to less than 3% by weight, heating and mixing the mixture of raw materials including molten sulfur at 119 to 159.degree. C., to cause the sulfur to penetrate and encapsulate the raw material that is solid or liquid at the molecular level, thereby preparing a fluid mixture, and, if necessary, then molding the mixture into a desired shape or cooling it into a granular form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignees: Ikari-Laboratory for Environmental Science Co., Ltd., Nishida Mining Co., Ltd., Tanaka Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Ikari, Takuya Yamato, Chujiro Nishida, Katsuyoshi Toyofuku, Toshiyuki Kokubu
  • Patent number: 6080265
    Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material intertwined with and bondably connected to one another so as to form a cohesive cushioning unit and method for forming same is provided. The strips of material have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the strips of material to one another and enabling the strips of material to be bondingly connected to a container and an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6054083
    Abstract: A preparation process in which PTFE coarse particles are finely pulverized into particles in wet state, thus enabling the finely pulverized particles to be washed as they are and an amount of impurities to be decreased efficiently and after the washing, agglomeration granulation is carried out, thus enabling PTFE molding powder to be obtained in the reduced number of steps; a preparation process of a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, characterized in that polytetrafluoroethylene coarse particles obtained by suspension polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene are finely pulverized, in wet state, into an average particle size particularly in a range of 10 to 100 .mu.m and then washed; and a preparation process of a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, characterized in that after the washing, mechanical force is applied to the washed powder in wet state for agglomeration granulation, thus giving particles having an average particle size in a range of 200 to 800 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Asano, Singo Tanigawa, Akira Shimodoh, Tetuo Shimizu, Shiouji Kawachi
  • Patent number: 6025320
    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: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Peter Willem Appel, Fran.cedilla.ois Delwel, Johan Christiaan Klein-Velderman
  • Patent number: 6019916
    Abstract: A first granulating unit A for molding molten resin of one color into pellets and a second granulating unit B for molding molten resin of the other color into pellets are provided in one screw type kneading extruder 1. The first granulating unit A is made to communicate with a discharge port 2a while the second granulating unit B is blocked. After the pellets of one color are molded in this state, the discharge port 2a is made open to the outside of the apparatus, and a thermoplastic resin material of the other color is kneaded and melted by means of the screw type kneading extruder 1, and discharged to the outside of the apparatus to thereby perform cleaning operation. Next, the second granulating unit B is made to communicate with the discharge port 2a while the first granulating unit A is blocked. In this state, the pellets of the other color are molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mizuguchi, Masaharu Ishida
  • 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: 6017475
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and batch or continuous flow method of thermodynamically reducing and converting household garbage into useful by-products capable of being recycled and reused or otherwise transformed into useful articles. The method of transforming household garbage into useful material comprises the steps of: providing a quantity of household garbage having a first volume and a liquid content; reducing the garbage having a first volume to an aggregate shard having a second volume smaller then the first volume; optionally expelling liquid from the aggregate shard; and heating the aggregate shard under pressure greater than ambient pressure to create an aggregate shard pulp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bouldin & Lawson, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6015784
    Abstract: Secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactants are admixed with an organic material such as a polyacrylate, and the resulting mixture is compacted into chips. The chips are comminuted to provide particles and the particles are coated with a free-flow aid. The resulting particles exhibit improved solubility and are especially useful in laundry detergents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Takashi Kazuta, Fukuji Ebihara
  • Patent number: 6001286
    Abstract: A method of enhancing water resistance of composites uses a water repellant material which may be applied toward and other fibrous vegetable materials. The method begins with a saturated vegetable or animal fat triglyceride having a low iodine value. The triglyceride is rendered in a form which may be a fine powder, an emulsion, or a dispersion in a liquid. The sprayable triglyceride and a bonding agent are applied to the fibrous materials, preparatory to a press binding. There, the sprayed material is subjected to a hot press cycle in order to form a bonded fibrous composition. The low Iodine Value triglyceride may be selected from a group including hydrogenated vegetable oil, palm oil, stearine, winterized low IV fractions, soy stearine, animal fat, hydrogenated animal fat, and fractionated fats or blends of these materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Archer Daniels Midland Company
    Inventor: Ronald T. Sleeter
  • 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: 5972267
    Abstract: A process comprising the following steps: (a) maintaining the process in an essentially oxygen-free state; (b) introducing a first polymer directly from the polymerization reactor in which it was prepared, in molten form, into a mixer/compounder; (c) reducing any higher pressure accompanying the first polymer from the polymerization reactor to the mixer/compounder to a pressure in the range of about 0 to about 5 barg; (d) adding additives selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, second polymers, other polymer enhancing additives, and mixtures thereof to the mixer/compounder, and mixing same with the molten first polymer; (e) passing the molten mixture from step (d) through one or more screens, each having a maximum opening size of about 25 microns; (f) pelletizing the mixture from step (e); (g) introducing the pellets into a spraying chamber, the interior of said chamber being operated in a static condition; (h) spraying the pellets in the chamber with a crosslinking formulation including an organi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Kharazi, Neil William Dunchus
  • 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: 5959010
    Abstract: Reduction of dust formation for particleized resin is achieved by adding low density high molecular weight polyethylene to molten resin at a temperature and under conditions sufficient to cause the polyethylene to become dispersed within the resin. The resin/polyethylene mixture is then formed into solid particles. The addition of low density, high molecular weight polyethylene significantly reduces the generation of dust during handling, such as in the particleizing and packaging stages of the manufacturing process, while providing resin particles with higher effective softening points as compared to resin particles augmented with polyethylene wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Arizona Chemical Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Schluenz
  • Patent number: 5958328
    Abstract: Provided with a loess-containing fiber and its manufacturing method wherein the fiber contains loess that generates far-infrared rays and has antibiotic and disinfectant properties, the method including the steps of melting a polymer to form a melt polymer, firing loess in a firing furnace, grinding the fired loess into particles having a specified size by means of a mill, and admixing the powder of the ground loess with the melt polymer in a mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Mi-Soo Seok
    Inventors: Mi-Soo Seok, U-Hyon Paek
  • 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: 5935508
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of fibre-reinforced intermediates useful in thermoplastic processing methods, including compounding and moulding, which comprises impregnating continuous fibres with a resin composition comprising at least one radiation-polymerizable component, exposing the impregnated fibres to radiation to effect polymerization of such component, and cutting the product to form thermoplastically processible intermediates which, optionally, may be mixed with other polymer and/or additives during mixing or moulding. A process described as above but in which the uncut radiation polymerized fibre-resin product is blended with a least one polymer and/or additive in a continuous mixer, such as an extruder; and the resulting blended product is cut to form thermoplastically processible intermediates, such as mouldable pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Alan Fernyhough, Michael Fryars, Sebastien Paul Yohann Castellier
  • Patent number: 5922465
    Abstract: The invention relates to platelet-shaped interference pigments for effect paints for painting objects of daily use, especially vehicle bodies, with the interference pigments including liquid crystal polymers (LCP) with main and/or side groups--mesogens--which are arranged at least approximately chirally-nematically or the like. In order to be able to paint different colored backgrounds in a covering fashion using the transparent interference pigments, the interference pigments are built up in several layers and also have at least one and preferably two interfering layer(s) of liquid crystal polymers and even of a single, preferably centrally located, light-absorbent layer, with the light-absorbent layer absorbing at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. Advantageously the light-absorbent layer can absorb light in the entire visible light spectrum, in other words appear black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Michael Gailberger, Katja Strelzyk, Karl Holdik, Fritz Dannenhauer, Erik Grosse, Andreas Stohr
  • 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: 5904885
    Abstract: A process for recycling rubber, elastomers, and thermoset materials in which the material to be recycled is pulverized in a manner which maintains the chemical composition of the material, producing a powder. The powder is introduced into a mold which is heated to a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. and a compression force of at least about 10 tons is applied to the powder for a period of at least one hour, resulting in formation of a single piece of the rubber, elastomeric, or thermoset material, with no change in chemical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hamid Arastoopour, Daniel A. Schocke, Barry Bernstein, Ecevit Bilgili
  • Patent number: 5895622
    Abstract: A composite manufacturing system moves a multi-fiber tow through a processing space. A resin particle source provides particles to the space. This source may include an airstream entrained with particles which is discharged into the space through an orifice; the airstream diverging as it enters the space. An electrode is disposed in the space to electrostatically charge the particles and facilitate deposition of the charged particles on the tow. In one embodiment, the electrode includes a corona wire disposed proximate to the tow to provide a generally cylindrical charging region. An electric field useful to direct deposition of the particles may be generated by appropriately shaping a wire electrode and orienting it in a predetermined manner relative to the tow. After the particles are deposited, a fixation unit may be used to at least partially melt the deposited particles. A processing stage may be included which has a pair of surfaces configured to heat and compress the tow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karthik Ramani, Daniel Edward Woolard, Mark Stephen Duvall
  • Patent number: 5888444
    Abstract: The invention relates to an effect paint for objects to be painted, as well as to a process for making the effect paint, wherein the effect paint comprises pigments. The pigments, produced by fragmenting a wiped and cross-linked film, are added to a starting paint of a paint coat of the object and result in a color effect which depends on the viewing angle, and are also provided with a marking used to recognize and characterize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fritz Dannenhauer, Karl Holdik
  • Patent number: 5879596
    Abstract: A process for making polyurethaneureas using cryogenic mixing is provided. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing. The process involves cooling an isocyanate prepolymer or the like to a temperature of less than about -100.degree. C., forming a powder from the isocyanate prepolymer, adding at least one chain extender and/or chain terminator, and warming the powder to at least about room temperature to produce a polyurethaneurea. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: David H. Roach
  • Patent number: 5858957
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of detergent compositions from a surfactant paste which is substantially in the solid phase at temperatures of 25.degree. C. and below comprises the steps of: (i) mixing the surfactant paste at a temperature above its softening point, the surfactant paste comprising at least 50% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (ii) forming the molten surfactant paste into drops on a cooling surface; (iii) forming solid pastilles by cooling the drops of molten surfactant paste; and (iv) removing solidified pastilles from the cooling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Scott John Donoghue, David John Smith
  • 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: 5766524
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering concrete returned to the plant by delivery truck empties the delivery trucks into hoppers that dispense the so delivered left over concrete into molds designed to produce blocks of concrete suitable for regrinding into aggregate. The molded blocks are held in the molds for sufficient time to set the concrete for grinding before the blocks are separated from the molds. The molded blocks are then delivered to a grinding station where they are ground into aggregate of selected size for return to the concrete mixing operation. Any water that separates during the molding operation is subject to a settling operation to settle fine particles and the decanted water is then stored in a suitable reservoir for reuse, for example, in washing out the trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Mohammed M. S. Rashwan, Seman M. AbouRizk
  • Patent number: 5762847
    Abstract: An improved optical cable having at least one light waveguide having a coating and other component parts in the form of protective sheaths of plastic material as well as potentially tensile elements and filling compounds. The improved cable being recyclable, since the other component parts contain only polyolefins and small amounts of glass or inorganic fillers, so that the cable can easily be recycled into pellets having the inorganic fillers and glass acting as reinforcing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Kamps, Walter Pfandl, Frederic Zapf, Reiner Schneider
  • 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