Solid, Shaped Article (e.g., Tablet, Briquette, Etc.) Patents (Class 510/298)
  • Patent number: 6974789
    Abstract: A detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet having one or more phases at least one of which is in the form of a compressed particulate solid comprising a) a polymeric disintegrant having a particle size distribution such that at least 90% by weight thereof has a particle size below about 0.3 mm and at least 30% by weight thereof has a particle size below about 0.2 mm; and b) a water-soluble hydrated salt having a melting point in the range from about 30° C. to about 95° C. The detergent tablets display improved dissolution, strength and long-term storage characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joanne Louise Whitaker, Eric Tcheou, Neil Joseph Lant, Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6951838
    Abstract: A detergent composition containing: (a) an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkylbenzenesulfonate, an alkyl sulfate, a soap, an alkanesulfonate, an olefinsulfonate, a methyl ester sulfonate, and mixtures thereof; (b) a non-enzymatic protein and/or derivative thereof; (c) a phosphate; (d) a disintegrating agent; an (e) optionally, a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof, and wherein the detergent composition is in a solid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Weuthen, Bernd Fabry
  • Patent number: 6900165
    Abstract: Incorporation of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone in a specific particle composition as a disintegrant in compact particulate laundry detergents or cleaning products, such a particle composition and the compact particulate laundry detergents themselves, a process for preparing such a compact particulate laundry detergents or cleaning products, and a process for preparing specific particle compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Meffert, Werner Bertleff, Michael Kerber, Peter Spang, Richard Baur, Marcos Gomez
  • Patent number: 6849591
    Abstract: A description is given of a microcapsule formulation comprising microcapsules having a core of a hydrophobic material and a capsule shell of an addition polymer containing in copolymerized form at least 1% by weight of cationogenic monomers and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers whose unsaturated sites are connected via successive chemical bonds of which at least one bond is acid-hydrolyzable. A description is further given of a microcapsule formulation comprising microcapsules having a core of a hydrophobic material, which comprises at least one fragrance or perfume, and a shell of an addition polymer containing in copolymerized form at least 1% by weight of anionogenic monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers whose unsaturated sites are connected via successive chemical bonds of which at least one bond is base-hydrolyzable. The microcapsule formulations are employed in laundry detergents or cleaning products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Boeckh, Ekkehard Jahns, Werner Bertleff, Peter Neumann
  • Patent number: 6846794
    Abstract: A process for making a non-phosphate, zeolite-built detergent tablet, the process comprising a first step of providing a detergent composition, a second step of forming a particulate material comprising the detergent composition, and a third step of compressing the particulate material in a tablet form, the process being characterized in that it further comprises a step of cooling the detergent composition below ambient temperature between the first and the third step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David William Ingram, Ingrid Maria Elisabeth Hendrika Willems
  • Patent number: 6846332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a convenient to carry fabric treatment applicator comprising a chelating agent and a radical scavenger and preferably a bleach, which allows for gentle fabric treatment which does not require post-treatment, like rinsing. Claimed and described is a fabric treatment applicator comprising an application device and a fabric treatment composition, the fabric treatment composition comprising a radical scavenger and a chelating agent. Further claimed and described is the use of a fabric treatment composition comprising a radical scavenger and a chelating agent for no rinse fabric treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephane Boissie, Ulrich Kleinsteuber
  • Patent number: 6815410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pouched cleaning composition wherein the pouch is constructed from a water-soluble film and contains a liquid composition comprising less than 5% by weight of the liquid composition, of water; an anionic surfactant; and at least 0.5% by weight of the liquid composition of a builder/chelant free of C8-22 alkyl or alkenyl chains characterized by a solubility in said liquid composition of less than 0.3% by weight. Such pouched cleaning compositions provide better cleaning performance and better pouch solubility while avoiding the formation of residues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jean-Pol Boutique, James Charles Theophile Roger Burckett-Saint-Laurent, Steven Jozef Louis Coosemans, Luca Goovaerts, Lorenzo Matteo Pierre Gualco, James Pyott Johnston
  • Patent number: 6812202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6812200
    Abstract: A process for coating laundry detergent or cleaning product tablets that contain builder(s) and also, if desired, further laundry detergent and cleaning product ingredients, by transporting the tablets on a conveyor belt provided with a multiplicity of apertures and forcing coating material through the conveyor belt apertures from below with a force such that the coating material forced over the conveying plane forms a surge through which the tablets are transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Henriette Weber, Georg Assmann
  • Publication number: 20040214738
    Abstract: A non-Division 5.1 Oxidizer tablet consisting essentially of a blend of hydrated calcium hypochlorite with magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, wherein the blend contains at least about 17% by weight of water based on the total weight of the blend; contains from about 0.1% to about 10% of lime based on the total weight of the hydrated calcium hypochlorate and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate and the average dissolving rate of the tablet is less than 150 grams per day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Arch Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Brennan, Paul S. Loomis
  • Patent number: 6809073
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a tablet, especially a detergent tablet, which includes at least one first and one second layer. The method comprises the following steps: (a) introducing a first metered quantity of a first particulate composition into a molding cavity of a tablet press; (b) compacting the first metered quantity with a first mold pressure by means of a molding punch that has at least one convexity on its pressing surface, to produce a first compacted layer that has one or more respective indentations in its upper surface that corresponds to a convexity/convexities on the molding punch; (c) introducing a second metered quantity of a second particulate composition into the molding cavity of the tablet press on top of the first compacted layer; and (d) compacting the second metered quantity with a second mold pressure by means of a molding punch, to produce a second compacted layer with one or more respective indentations in its upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Wilfried Höflinger, Laurence Geret, Brigitte Sandmann, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 6800601
    Abstract: A detergent bar is made by (1) applying pressure to a detergent composition to deliver it to a substantially closed mold at a temperature less than 70° C.; (2) ensuring the pressure on the composition at point of entry is greater than 29.4 psi under the action of an injector head for at least part of the time over which the composition enters the mold; (3) cooling in the mold to form bar; and (4) removing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Stewart Allan, John Martin Cordell, Graeme Neil Irving, Suresh Murigeppa Nadakatti, Vijay Mukund Naik, Christine Ann Overton, Frederick Edmund Stocker, Karnik Tarverdi, John Colin Wahlers
  • Patent number: 6790817
    Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6770616
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising a first phase in adhesive contact with one or more second phases, and wherein at least the first phase is in the form of a compressed particulate solid incorporating a cogranulated detergency additive composition comprising polymeric polycarboxylate and inorganic carrier. The multi-phase tablets provide improved interphase adhesivity, robustness and strength together with excellent dissolution and cleaning characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Steven Baldwin McGowan, James Iain Kinloch, Alasdair Duncan McGregor
  • Patent number: 6759379
    Abstract: The inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a laundry detergent product is described. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item during the cleaning step and, therefore, reduces the need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Daniel Fox
  • Patent number: 6750193
    Abstract: A method for providing multi-phase cleaning and washing agent shaped bodies is provided. A particulate premix ix compressed to form a shaped body containing a cavity and the cavity is filled with a molten suspension or emulsion of a matrix material with a melting point above 30% and at least one active material dispersed or suspended in the matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Thomas Holderbaum, Hans-Josef Beaujean, Juergen Haerer, Christian Nitsch, Bernd Richter, Markus Semrau
  • Patent number: 6746995
    Abstract: A unit dose wash cycle fabric softening composition for softening or conditioning fabrics in the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, said unit dose comprising a compacted granular fabric softener composition formed from granules of softener, which granules are formed from a powder of said clay component wherein the amount of moisture in said clay component is from about 3% to about 10%, by weight, and wherein the total amount of moisture in the compacted fabric softener composition is from about 3% to about 25% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Hoai-Chau Cao, Alain Gourgue, Alain Jacques, Joseph Reul, Juliette Rousselet, Jeffrey T. Epp, Amjad Farooq, Charles J. Schramm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6737390
    Abstract: Laundry detergent or cleaning product shaped bodies which comprise two or more noncompressed parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Matthias Sunder, Rolf Bayersdoerfer, Bernd Richter, Hans-Friedrich Kruse, Markus Semrau, Thomas Holderbaum
  • Patent number: 6727216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for use in a washing machine. The composition is characterised by a base composition that becomes active essentially during the main wash cycle of the washing machine; and by at least one particle with at least one core which contains at least one substance which becomes active essentially during the rinse cycles of the washing machine and with a coating which essentially fully encloses the core(s) and contains at least one compound whose solubility increases as the concentration of a specific compound in the surrounding medium decreases. The invention provides for means that prevent a significant dissolution of the coating or a significant detachment of the coating from the core(s) until the rinse cycles have begun. The invention also relates to a method for carrying out a wash cycle in a washing machine using the inventive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Waeschenbach, Ralf Wiedemann, Enric Carbonell, Paul W. Robinson, Antonio Cordellina, Manuela Bosco, Giorgio Franzolin, Joan Clotet, Dora Zamuner
  • Patent number: 6689305
    Abstract: A bed of particulate solids including some hydrated materials can be converted by controlled irradiation with subinfrared electromagnetic radiation into a unitary porous solid that is mechanically strong enough for easy handling. When the particulate solids include typical mildly acid to alkaline cleaner materials, a block or tablet especially suitable for automatic cleaning machinery, with a very fast dissolution rate in water, can readily be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Sandra Witt, Hans-Peter Koehler, Wolfgang Preibsch, Horst Pruehs, Karl-Heinz Rogmann
  • Patent number: 6686329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet having at least a first and a second layer, whereby the first layer is softer than the second layer, and if said tablet has more than two layers, the tablet is such that a softer layer is situated at an end of the tablet to increase the integrity and robustness of the entire tablet during production, shipping and handling while keeping substantially good dispensing properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Serge Eric Salager
  • Patent number: 6686328
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising a first phase in adhesive contact with one or more second phases, at least one second phase being in the form of a compressed particulate solid incorporating liquid adhesive and having an average porosity of less than about 0.15 ml/g. The liquid adhesive is preferably selected from polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight in the range from about 200 to about 700 and is preferably applied by post-addition to the particulate solid prior to compression. The multi-phase tablets provide improved interphase adhesivity, robustness and strength together with excellent dissolution and cleaning characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6686327
    Abstract: A detergent composition having improved solubility in water comprising: (a) a surfactant selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof; (b) a disintegrator component; and (c) defoamer granules containing silicones and support materials, wherein the detergent composition is in solid-form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Schmid, Michael Neuss, Detlef Stanislowski, Karin Koren, Andrea Borntraeger
  • Patent number: 6677295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet comprising a core and a coating, the core having a diametral fracture stress of less than 15 kPa, and the core comprising a non-gelling binder, wherein the coated detergent tablet has a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a detergent tablet having a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa, the tablet giving less than 18 g residue at the end of the washing machine cycle under stressed test, the stressed test consisting of three tablets, each tablet weighing 60 g, being placed in the bottom of the drum of a Miele® W831 washing machine, 2.5 kg of mixed fabric load being placed in the drum on top of the tablets, and the machine being run using a “whites/colors” short cycle of 30° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Tcheou, Steven Rene Ongena
  • Patent number: 6673765
    Abstract: A process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent is provided. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Rhonda Kay Schulz, Helmut K. Maier
  • Patent number: 6664226
    Abstract: A unit dose laundry composition for softening or conditioning fabrics which is suitable as an additive to the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, said unit dose composition comprising a compacted granular composition comprising a fabric softener or a fabric conditioner, said compacted granular composition being characterized by having a spherical shape and having no discrete outer layer surrounding said fabric softener or conditioner, which outer layer is comprised of an alkaline material such that the pH of the wash water is increased upon the dissolution of said outer layer in said wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co
    Inventors: Alain Jacques, Juliette Rousselet, Hoai-Chau Cao
  • Patent number: 6664225
    Abstract: A single-dose quick dissolving cleansing agent, also with preventing and treating activity for disorders and diseases in human beings and animals, wherein the agent comprises a surfactant, a first and second disintegrating agents combined for causing a sudden disintegration and dissolution of the agent upon contacting the agent with a liquid medium, an agglutinating agent, a phyto-therapeutic extract providing the preventing and treating activity, and bactericide, essences and colorants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Alejandro Mumoli
  • Patent number: 6664222
    Abstract: A unit dose wash cycle fabric softening composition for softening or conditioning fabrics in the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, said unit dose comprising a compacted granular fabric softener composition comprising a softening clay component in an amount sufficient to form a unit dose capable of providing effective softening or conditioning of fabrics in the wash cycle of said washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Hoai-Chau Cao, Alain Gourgue, Alain Jacques, Joseph Reul, Juliette Rousselet, Jeffrey T. Epp, Amjad Farooq, Charles J. Schramm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6660704
    Abstract: Composition for use in a washing machine, characterized by a basic composition evolving its function essentially in the main washing cycle of the washing machine and in the form of a tablet, and at least one particle with at least one core comprising at least one substance evolving its function essentially in the rinsing cycles, and a covering substantially completely surrounding the core or cores comprising at least one compound, whose solubility increases with decreasing concentration of a specific ion in the surrounding medium, the at least one particle being placed in or on the tablet in such a way that the surface of the particle or particles is at the most in partial direct contact with the surface of the basic composition surrounding the same and the concentration of the specific ion in the local environment of the particle or particles is sufficiently high up to a substantially complete dissolving of the tablet in order to prevent a substantial dissolving of the covering or a substantial detachment of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Waschenbach, Ralf Wiedemann, Enric Carbonell, Antonio Cordellina, Manuela Bosco, Giorgio Franzolin, Joan Clotet, Dora Zamuner, Paul W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6649586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6645931
    Abstract: A solid-shaped detergent comprising particles for detergent, wherein the particles have a dissolution rate of 90% or more, under conditions where the particles are supplied in water at 5° C.; stirred for 60 seconds under the stirring conditions that 1 g of the particles are supplied to a 1-L beaker having an inner diameter of 105 mm which is charged with 1 L of hard, water having 71.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yuhki Yanagisawa, Nobuyoshi Yamaguchi, Shu Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Takaya, Hiroyuki Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20030162680
    Abstract: The invention provides a tablet of a compacted particulate composition for use in fabric washing which contains detergent-active, detergency builder and other ingredients, characterized in that the tablet contains:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home and Personal Care, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirjam Sta, Ronaldus Wilhelmus Westerhout
  • Patent number: 6608023
    Abstract: A solid block detergent composition is described which can be dispensed with a water spray to form an aqueous detergent for cutting and removing grease, removing and suspending soils and rinsing easily leaving cleaned ware. The aqueous detergent concentrate can be used in a cleaning liquid having exceptional soil, particularly grease removing properties with stable foam properties. The solid block detergent contains a package of surfactants including a neutralized anionic surfactant with either one or a mixture of an alkali and alkaline earth metal salt thereof and an alkylpolyglycoside. The active ingredients and polyethylene glycol as a hardening agent are dispersed in a matrix which hardens to form a solid block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karen G. Klaers, Helen B. Bailly
  • Patent number: 6589932
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a particulate solid compressed within the mould. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrizio Ricci, Brenda Frances Bennie, Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6586386
    Abstract: A tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition, wherein the tablet or a discrete region thereof contains surfactant and detergency builder, characterized by containing about 1-10% by wt. of a composite disintegrant blend comprising, by weight, (a) about 40-70% of a water soluble salt, (b) about 30-60% of a mixture of about 10-90% of cellulosic material and 90-10% of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, the tablet having a disintegration rate of at least 100 g/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventors: Bala Srinivas, Purvita Patel
  • Patent number: 6566317
    Abstract: A process for inhibiting gel formation of a tablet-form detergent composition upon hydration, the process involving: (a) providing a detergent composition containing a surfactant component selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof; (b) providing an anti-gelling agent selected from the group consisting of an alkyl polyglycoside, a polymeric surfactant, an alkyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof; and (c) mixing the surfactant with the anti-gelling prior to introducing the tablet-form detergent composition into water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Cognis Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy C. Morris, Robert J. Valesky, Stephen F. Gross, Charles B. Allen
  • Publication number: 20030087784
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-compartment pouch made from a water-soluble film and having at least two compartments, said multi-compartment pouch comprises a composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component, wherein at least one compartment comprises a solid component and at least one compartment comprises a liquid component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nigel Patrick Somervile-Roberts, Bruno Matthieu Dasque, Thomas John Pounds
  • Publication number: 20030087783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-compartment pouch made from a water-soluble film and having at least two compartments, said multi-compartment pouch comprises a composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component, wherein one compartment comprises the solid component and another compartment comprises the liquid component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nigel Patrick Somerville-Roberts, Bruno Matthieu Dasque, Thomas John Pounds
  • Patent number: 6559115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tablet formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising a surfactant and a highly soluble compound, the highly soluble compound having a cohesive effect on the particulate material. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing an aqueous solution of a laundry detergent for use in a washing machine, wherein the aqueous solution of laundry detergent is formed by dissolving in water a tablet formed by compressing a particulate material, the tablet comprising a surfactant and a highly soluble compound, the highly soluble compound having a cohesive effect on the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Tcheou, Jose Luis Vega, Jean Wevers
  • Patent number: 6551981
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a particulate solid compressed within the mould. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Patrizio Ricci, Brenda Frances Bennie, Christopher James Binder, Valerio Del Duca, Andrea Esposito
  • Patent number: 6551982
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed body adhesively contained within the mould, wherein the tablet composition comprises one or more detergent actives which is predominantly concentrated in the second phase, and wherein the second phase additionally comprises a binder. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrizio Ricci, Brenda Frances Bennie, Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6548473
    Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising i) a compressed solid body portion having therein at least one mould in said compressed solid body portion; and ii) at least one non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion mounted in said at least one mould of said compressed solid body portion, having an area of B, said at least one non-compressed, non-encapulating portion comprising at least one detergent active; wherein surface area of said detergent tablet, excluding area of said at least one mould, is A; and wherein further ratio of B to A is from about 1:50 to about 4:1, by area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, William Michael Scheper, Jeffrey Donald Painter, Xiaoqing Song
  • Patent number: 6544944
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed body adhesively contained within the mould, and wherein the second phase comprises an enzyme. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrizio Ricci, Brenda Frances Bennie, Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6544943
    Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed, body adhesively contained within the mould, wherein the tablet composition comprises one or more detergent actives which is predominantly concentrated in the second phase, and wherein the second phase additionally comprises a disrupting agent. The multi-phases tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrizio Ricci, Brenda Frances Bennie, Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6541441
    Abstract: The invention provides a single-dose soap for use only once, as a disposable soap unit, the soap unit having a high solubility in order to be quickly dissolved during a washing operation, the soap unit comprising lauryl sodium sulfate, a first hydrophilic disintegrating agent, an agglutinating agent, and a second hydrophilic disintegrating agent for causing a sudden disintegration and dissolution of the soap when contacting with a liquid for the washing operation. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the soap unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Alejandro Mumoli
  • Patent number: 6534473
    Abstract: Detergent tablets for use in fabric washing are made by mixing: (i) particles which contain non-soap organic surfactant and other materials, especially detergency builder, with (ii) material which is other than soap or organic surfactant and which has a solubility in water of at least 10 gm/liter at 20° C., followed by compacting the mixture into a tablet or a region of a tablet using an applied pressure in a range from 3.0 to 35 MPa. Such a pressure, used with the specified mixture, leads to tablets with good strength which also disintegrates with satisfactory speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Peter Willem Appel, Jelles Vincent Boskamp, James William Gordon, Marcel Van der Kraan, Edwin Leo Lempers, Henning Wagner
  • Publication number: 20030050209
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-compartment pouch obtainable by a process of closing an open compartment with a pre-sealed compartment. Said multi-compartment pouch preferably comprises a composition and is for use in automatic-washing or hand-washing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kristin Nicole Perkis, Gregory Martin Gressel, Mark Anthony Manion, Nigel Patrick Somerville-Roberts
  • Publication number: 20030050208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a package which comprises a substrate and one or more fabric treatment chemicals, wherein the fabric treatment chemicals are released from the substrate through the action of temperature, friction and/or contact with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jacky Pierre Duquet, Jose Luis Vega, Jean Wevers
  • Patent number: 6525015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6506720
    Abstract: A process for making a detergent tablet by forming a disintegrating agent by compacting cellulose or a cellulose derivative, forming disintegrating agent particles comprising the disintegrating agent, dry mixing a washing- or cleaning-active substance and an amount of the disintegrating agent particles effective to rapidly dissolve or disperse the composition in water, and shaping the resulting mixture into a tablet. The disintegrating agent particles have a particle size distribution of less than 10% by weight smaller than about 0.2 mm particle size and no more than 1% by weight of dust-fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Gerhard Blasey, Dieter Jung, Hans-Friedrich Kruse, Fred Schambil