Solid, Shaped Article (e.g., Tablet, Briquette, Etc.) Patents (Class 510/298)
  • Patent number: 6506722
    Abstract: The invention relates to cogranulates comprising phyllosilicates and disintegrants, in particular cellulose, and to detergents and cleaners which comprise these cogranulates, preferably in tablet form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bauer, Josef Holz, Guenther Schimmel, Armelle Pelissou
  • Patent number: 6503879
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6498135
    Abstract: A process for producing a non-particulate laundry detergent comprises the steps of providing a powdered porous carrier material, adsorbing a perfume onto the powdered porous carrier material, and depositing the powdered porous carrier material having adsorbed perfume on the non-particulate detergent product. In another aspect of the invention, a process for producing a non-particulate detergent product having a perfume loaded carrier material coating includes the step of providing a non-particulate detergent composition having an electrically conductive surface. The process further includes grounding the electrically conductive surface of the non-particulate detergent composition. Still further, the process includes providing an electrostatically chargeable carrier material having a perfume adsorbed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Adrian John Waynforth Angell, Paul Amaat France, Les Charles Zorb, Arseniy V. Radomyselskiy
  • Patent number: 6495509
    Abstract: A process for producing a water-dispersible non-particulate detergent product includes the step of providing a particulate detergent composition. The process further includes the step of adding a flow aid to the particulate detergent composition in a range of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the particulate detergent composition. The process then includes the step of compacting the particulate detergent composition having the flow aid by applying a pressure in an amount sufficient to form the water-dispersible non-particulate detergent product having a density of at least about 1000 g/l. This process enables the manufacture of a rapidly dispersing non-particulate detergent composition that sinks in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Adrian John Waynforth Angell, Les Charles Zorb
  • Patent number: 6486118
    Abstract: Detergent tablet of compacted particulate composition containing; (a) particles which contain organic surfactant together with detergency builder, and (b) water-insoluble but water-swellable particles of plant material which contain both cellulose and lignin, obtainable by fragmentation of plant material without separation of its fibres into a liquid dispersion. Also provided is process of making this tablet which comprises mixing water-insoluble, water-swellable disintegration-promoting material as defined above with other particulate ingredients so as to form a particulate detergent composition and compacting a quantity of the particulate composition in a mold so that it forms a tablet or a region of a tablet. The detergent tablets exhibit good disintegration together with adequate mechanical strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jelles Vincent Boskamp, Paulus Jacobus Loomans
  • Patent number: 6486117
    Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising (a) a compressed solid body portion having at least one mold in said compressed solid body portion; (b) a non-compressed, gelatinous portion mounted in said at least one mold of said compressed solid body portion, said gelatinous portion comprising a thickening system and at least one detergent active; and wherein said non-compressed, gelatinous portion has either a yield strength of from about 5 to about 80 Pa, or has an average viscosity of from about 100 to about 12000 cP before said non-compressed, gelatinous portion is mounted in said at least one mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Donald Painter, Lynda Anne Speed, Xiaoqing Song, Peter Robert Foley, Sabine Ursula Metzger-Groom
  • Patent number: 6486116
    Abstract: A detergent composition comprising a granulated percarbonate and a blend which encapsulates the percarbonate is describe. The blend comprises a sulphate, carboxymethyl cellulose and a nonionic surfactant. The detergent composition comprises sodium metasilicate and does not include a zeolite, a perborate or a phosphate. The composition is capable of being stored in a water-soluble PVA film packaging for at least nine months and wherein the composition comprises between 1% and 15% percarbonate. The composition can include a phosphate substitute such as a polyacrylate. The composition can be compressed into a tablet format and used as a laundering product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald Thomas Hinton
  • Patent number: 6475978
    Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating granules containing acetate (sodium acetate and/or potassium acetate) along with at least one other ingredient. Such tablets are provided, as are, methods of making the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA a division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Willem Appel, Roger Joseph Janssen
  • Patent number: 6475969
    Abstract: A solid cast detergent product containing an active chlorine source is disclosed. Methods of manufacture and of use are also disclosed for the solid cast detergent product containing an active chlorine source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sunburst Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Scepanski
  • Patent number: 6472362
    Abstract: Detergent compositions in the form of tablets used in fabric washing which incorporate most of the surfactants in particles which constitute a substantial part but not all the composition of the tablet. The organic surfactant in this particles provides a substantial part but not all of the weight of the particles. The mixture of anionic and nonionic detergent surfactants is employed wherein anionic is clearly in the majority. The balance of the composition contains a substantial proportion of material other than organic surfactant which is water-soluble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter William Appel, Edwin Leo Lempers, Henning Wagner
  • Patent number: 6462007
    Abstract: A multi-layered detergent tablet comprising: a) a core having a first detergent active agent; b) a first encapsulating layer surrounding said core, having a second detergent active agent; c) a second encapsulating layer surrounding said first encapsulating layer, having a third detergent active agent and a disruption system; wherein disruption of said second encapsulating layer is such that at least 25% of said third detergent active agent is released prior to release of said second detergent active agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lucio Pieroni, Peter Robert Foley, Lynda Anne Speed, Xiaoqing Song
  • Patent number: 6455484
    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: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6451746
    Abstract: An effervescent compound is disclosed which includes a liquid ingredient, an effervescent system and optionally a solvent. The solvent may be both hydrophilic and have low solubility with effervescent ingredients. The solvent may include an alcohol, a glycol or a glycol ether, for example, but not limited to, 2-butoxyethanol. The effervescent system used in the effervescent compound may be, for example, but is not limited to, expanded sodium perborate and/or a mixture of any or one or more of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate. The effervescent compound may further include any one, or all, or any combination of the following ingredients: surfactants, bleaching compositions, anti-redeposition agents, binders, lubricants, colors, fragrances, and/or optical brighteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: ChemLink Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Giffin Moore, Hilton G. Dawson, Richard A. DeSenna, Kenneth Scott Wiley
  • Patent number: 6451754
    Abstract: A process for preparing a detergent tablet comprises the steps of compressing a composition comprising an active detergent component to form a compressed portion and delivering a composition comprising an active detergent component in the form of a solid, liquid or gel to the compressed portion to form a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Barry Rowland, Alasdair Duncan McGregor, Michael Crombie Addison, Lynda Anne Speed
  • Patent number: 6448212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laundry/dishwasher detergent portion, more particularly for use in a washing/dishwashing machine for a program taking place in an aqueous phase, containing (a) a first measured quantity of a washing preparation which passes into the aqueous phase at a temperature below or equal to a first temperature; (b) a second measured quantity of a washing preparation which passes into the aqueous phase at a temperature below or equal to a second temperature which is above the first temperature; (c) at least one material which surrounds at least one of the measured quantities of a washing preparation and which dissolves in water at a certain temperature. The invention also relates to a process for the production of such a laundry/dishwasher detergent portion and to a washing process and a cleaning process using the laundry/dishwasher detergent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Thomas Holderbaum, Bernd Richter, Christian Nitsch, Juergen Haerer
  • Patent number: 6440927
    Abstract: A detergent tablet comprises: (a) a compressed solid body portion having at least one mold in the compressed body portion; and (b) a non-compressed, gelatinous portion integrally mounted in the mold of the compressed body portion, wherein the gelatinous portion comprising a thickening system and at least one detergent active. The thickening system preferably includes a non-aqueous diluent and a gelling agent and the detergent active is preferably selected from the group consisting of enzymes, surfactants, effervescing agents, bleaching agents, silver care agents, builders;, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Donald Painter, Lynda Anne Speed, Xiaoqing Song, Peter Robert Foley, Sabine Ursula Metzger-Groom
  • Patent number: 6436893
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6436889
    Abstract: A tablet of a compacted particulate composition for use in fabric washing contains detergent-active, detergency builder and other ingredients, characterized in that the tablet contains: (i) a smectite clay mineral; and (ii) a material with a water-solubility which exceeds 50 gm per 100 gm of water at 20° C., and (iii) 0.5 to 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirjam Sta, Ronaldus Wilhelmus Westerhout
  • Patent number: 6410500
    Abstract: Shaped bodies containing builders, alkali sources, bleaching agents, enzymes and surfactants. Particularly high-performance detersive shaped bodies with high stability in storage, a good perfume profile and a defined solubility profile are obtained if more than 80% by weight of the total content of an active substance (1) containing a constituent from the group of soil-release compounds is present in a region which makes up no more than 40% by volume of the shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Juergen Haerer, Thomas Mueller-Kirschbaum, Christian Nitsch, Thomas Moeller, Hans-Josef Beaujean, Bernd Richter
  • Patent number: 6407045
    Abstract: The invention set out to improve the oxidizing and bleaching effect of inorganic peroxygen compounds in dishwashing, more particularly machine dishwashing, in terms of their storage stability. This was essentially achieved by using particulate compounds corresponding to formula R1R2R3N−CH2CN X+, in which R1, R2, and R3 independently of one another represent an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, in addition to which the groups R2 and R3 may even be part of a heterocycle including the N atom and optionally other hetero atoms, and X is a charge-equalizing anion. Dishwashing detergents, more particularly machine dishwashing detergents, contain about 1% by weight to 10% by weight of this bleach-boosting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Christian Nitsch, Horst-Dieter Speckmann, Juergen Haerer, Andreas Lietzmann, Susan P. Huestis
  • Patent number: 6399564
    Abstract: A detergent tablet comprises a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion wherein the compressed portion comprises a mould and dissolves at a faster rate than the non-compressed portion on a weight by weight basis, measured using the SOTAX dissolution test method, and the non-compressed portion is at least partially retained within the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lynda Anne Speed, Jeffrey Donald Painter
  • Patent number: 6391845
    Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising a non-compressed, gelatinous portion, wherein the gelatinous portion comprising a thickening system and at least one detergent active. The thickening system preferably includes a non-aqueous diluent and a gelling agent and the detergent active is preferably selected from the group consisting of enzymes, surfactants, effervescing agents, bleaching agents, silver care agents, builders, and mixtures thereof. The non-compressed, gelatinous portion, may contain one, two or a plurality of non-compressed, gelatinous portions, all of which comprise a thickening system and at least one detergent active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lynda Anne Speed, Jeffrey Donald Painter, Peter Robert Foley, William Michael Scheper, Mark Robert Sivik
  • Patent number: 6387861
    Abstract: A detergent tablet for fabric washing is compacted from a particulate composition containing detergent active compound, detergency builder, a bleach system comprising coated sodium percarbonate and at least one bleach activator, and optionally other detergent ingredients, where the tablet comprises a plurality of discrete regions, and wherein the bleach activator and the coated sodium percarbonate are concentrated in respective different regions of the tablet. This separation of activator and percarbonate increases the stability of the bleach activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Anja Leonarda M Van Asperen, Atze Jan Van der Goot, Rene Lammers, Seeng Djiang Liem, Robert Ernst Niemantsverdriet, Mark Van der Veen, Patrick Van der Waal
  • Patent number: 6380141
    Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium acetate or a mixture thereof. To inhibit caking and facilitate handling during manufacture, smaller particles of another substance are preferably provided at the surface of the crystals of the acetate or citrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: James William Gordon
  • Patent number: 6369021
    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: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6358911
    Abstract: Detergent tablets containing a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion comprising a perfume component. The non-compressed portion preferably dissolves at a faster rate than the compressed portion, which preferably contains a bleaching agent. A process for preparing the detergent tablet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Sabine Ursula Metzger-Groom
  • Patent number: 6355607
    Abstract: A tablet comprising a combination of a means for providing effervescency upon contact with water, as well as a soluble salt selected from the group consisting of acetate, urea, and mixtures thereof is disclosed. The means for providing effervescence upon contact with water preferably comprises citric acid and a carbonate salt, such as a bicarbonate salt. Also disclosed is a process for making tablets according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Sonia Rahman, Paul Irma Albertus Van Dijk
  • Publication number: 20020013244
    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) a compacted granular fabric softener composition or (b) an encapsulated liquid and/or granular fabric softener composition, the amount of (a) or (b) being sufficient to form a unit dose capable of providing effective softening or conditioning of fabrics in the wash cycle of said washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive company
    Inventors: Alain Jacques, Juliette Rousselet, Hoai-Chau Cao
  • Patent number: 6340664
    Abstract: Partially coated laundry detergent and cleaning product tablets having advantageous properties such as high hardnesses without adverse effect on short disintegration times and high resistance to edge fracture are achieved with relatively small amounts of coating agents if the coating covers only mechanically sensitive parts of the tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (KGaA)
    Inventors: Thomas Gassenmeier, Fred Schambil, Juergen Millhoff
  • Patent number: 6339059
    Abstract: A detergent tablet having at least two discrete regions each compacted from particulate composition, wherein a first said region consists of a compacted particulate composition containing swelling disintegrant such that the region increases in volume on contact with water, and in at least one direction through said region is flanked on both sides by one or more other regions which swell to a lesser extent on contact with water than said first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter William Appel, Jelles Vincent Boskamp, Anshu Mali Gupta, Christophe Michel Joueux, Marcel van der Kraan, Henning Wagner
  • Patent number: 6329335
    Abstract: A process for the production of detergent tablets containing surfactants, builders and optionally other detergent ingredients. To produce the tablets, particulate detergent compositions containing 5 to 20% by weight of an overdried amorphous silicate, 0.5 to 10% by weight of polyethylene glycol and 1 to 15% by weight of water or aqueous solutions, based on the weight of the tablet formed, are tabletted under pressure. Despite low tabletting pressures, the process according to the invention gives tablets combining high fracture resistance and stability in storage with excellent dissolving behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Michael Feist, Hans-Friedrich Kruse
  • Patent number: 6313080
    Abstract: A detergent tablet for fabric washing is compacted from particulate detergent composition(s) with a fabric conditioning agent present in one zone (20,26,36,40) of the tablet at a greater concentration than in another zone (22,24,28,30,42). The conditioning agent may be a softening agent in a zone or region which disintegrates later than another zone or region of the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jelles Vincent Boskamp, Atze Jan van der Goot, Ronaldus Wilhelmus Westerhout
  • Patent number: 6306814
    Abstract: A detergent tablet of compacted particulate composition which has a pair of opposite faces spaced apart from each other and joined by a peripheral surface of the tablet, wherein the tablet has a first region which provides a first part of a said face and a second region which provides an adjoining part of the face with a discontinuity at the junction of the said parts of the face; and apparatus adapted to make such a tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA
    Inventors: Peter William Appel, Jelles Vincent Boskamp, Christophe Michel Joyeux, Marcel van der Kraan, Henning Wagner
  • Patent number: 6303561
    Abstract: Detergent tablets containing a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion wherein: a) the compressed portion comprises compressed detergent components and a cavity extending from a first exterior surface of the compressed portion to a second exterior surface of the compressed portion; and b) the non-compressed portion is retained within said cavity. The non-compressed portion preferably dissolves at a faster rate than the compressed portion. A process for preparing the detergent tablet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Donald Painter
  • Patent number: 6303560
    Abstract: A compacted granulate and a method for making the same, comprises 60-99 wt.-% of a water-insoluble, water-swellable cellulose and optionally at least one water-swellable polysaccharide derivative, 1-40 wt.-% of at least one polymeric binder of a polymer or a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and/or salts thereof, and at least one liquid surfactant, in which the granulate has a water content of from 2 to 8 wt.-%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Hartan, Juergen Souren, Elke Philippsen-Neu, Rainer Poeschmann
  • Patent number: 6300302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially anhydrous effervescent particle, having an average particle size of from 75 microns to 2 cm, comprising an anhydrous particle core, which comprises one or more components of an effervescence system intimately mixed with a substantially anhydrous stabilizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble
    Inventors: Alan Thomas Brooker, Stephen Wayne Heinzman, Barry Thomas Ingram, Gerard Marcel Baillely, Francisco Ramon Figueroa
  • Patent number: 6271190
    Abstract: A tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition containing at least one cleaning ingredient which is an organic surfactant, a water softening agent or a bleach, wherein the tablet or a discrete region of the tablet contains water-insoluble, water-swellable disintegration-promoting particles which are cellulosic material from a plant source other than timber. The invention also provides a tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition containing at least one cleaning ingredient which is an organic surfactant, a water softening agent or a bleach, wherein the tablet or a discrete region of the tablet contains disintegration-promoting particles of coconut husk material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jelles Vincent Boskamp, Paulus Jacobus Loomans
  • Patent number: 6262004
    Abstract: A cleaning composition in solid state comprises a gas-releasing component as a cleaning agent, a solubility control component to limit the solubility of the cleaning composition, an alkalinity agent as a pH regulator, and optionally a water softener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Eco-safe, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eddie Lee Caruthers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6258767
    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: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Alain Jacques, Juliette Rousselet
  • Patent number: 6251848
    Abstract: Bull's-eye tablets in which both the shaped body per se and the lands surrounding the bull's-eye are mechanically stable and even lend themselves to production in modern high-throughput tablet presses and in which the core placed in the larger shaped body is joined to the tablet in a stable manner and does not separate from the tablet matrix during production, packaging, transportation and handling can be obtained if the contour line of the core falls from the edge zone to the lowest point and climbs back to the edge zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
    Inventors: Thomas Holderbaum, Hans-Josef Beaujean, Christian Nitsch, Juergen Haerer, Markus Semrau, Karl-Martin Faeser
  • Patent number: 6245731
    Abstract: The combination of packaging system comprising re-closing means with a stack of tablets (1) containing a bleaching agent unstable in a moisture environment, characterized in that the packaging device has a Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate of less than 20 g/m2/day measured at 40° C. and 75% eRH for avoiding ingress of water is disclosed. The packaging system may also have a micro-hole to allow gas release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bernard Cossec, Jacky Pierre Duquet, Gregory Bruce Huntington
  • Patent number: 6242403
    Abstract: A detergent tablet of compressed particulate composition, and a process of making such a tablet, wherein the tablet or a region thereof comprises organic detergent and detergency builder and the tablet or region thereof is compacted from a composition which contains: (A) particles containing at least 60% by weight of non-soap anionic detergent (B) particles containing at least 80% of their own weight of one or more water-soluble materials selected from compounds with a water-solubility exceeding 50 grams per 100 grams water at 20° C.; and sodium tripolyphosphate containing at least 50% of its own weight of the phase I anhydrous form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Lammers, Seeng Djiang Liem, Alastair Richard Sanderson, Bart Slenderbroek, Harmannus Tammes, Arie Vermaas, Gilbert Martin Verschelling, Ronaldus Wilhelmus Johannes Westerhout
  • Patent number: 6232285
    Abstract: A compacted granulate comprising water-swellable cellulose and/or cellulose derivatives and finely divided polymers/copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid or salts thereof and one or more liquid surfactants, and the use thereof as disintegrating agent for detergent tablets, cleaning agent tablets, water softening tablets and scouring salt tablets, as well as a process for making the compacted granulate by mixing the constituents, granulating and compacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sascha Casteel, Hans-Georg Hartan, Elke Philippsen-Neu, Rainer Poeschmann
  • Patent number: 6221832
    Abstract: Compacted granulate comprising starch and/or a starch derivatives and, optionally, water-swellable cellulose/cellulose derivatives, and finely divided polymers/copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid or salts thereof and one or more liquid surfactants, and the use thereof as disintegrating agent for detergent tablets, cleaning agent tablets, water-softening tablets and scouring salt-tablets, as well as a process for making the compacted granulate by mixing the constituents, granulating and compacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sascha Casteel, Hans-Georg Hartan, Elke Philippsen-Neu, Rainer Poeschmann
  • Patent number: 6211129
    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: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6197739
    Abstract: Compositions for use as soil removing agents in the food processing industry are disclosed. Food soiled surfaces in food manufacturing and preparation areas can be cleaned. The compositions are manufactured in the form of a concentrate which is diluted with water and used. The cleaning materials are made in a two part system which are diluted with a diluent source and mixed prior to use. The products contain high quality cleaning compositions and use a variety of active ingredients. The preferred materials, in a two part system contain detergent compositions, enzymes that degrade food compositions, surfactants, low alkaline builders, water conditioning (softening) agents, and optionally a variety of formulary adjuvants depending on product form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Oakes, Kristine K. Wick, Bruce R. Cords, Sandra L. Bull, Francis L. Richter
  • Patent number: 6177393
    Abstract: A process for making a detergent composition comprising solid components which form a total particulate base detergent matrix and a liquid hydrocarbon component, the process comprises the steps of applying liquid hydrocarbon onto a high porosity fraction selected from the total particulate base detergent matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Alasdair Duncan McGregor, Jane Margaret Warwick, Steven Baldwin McGowan
  • Patent number: 6177398
    Abstract: A process for making a detergent tablet suitable for use in laundry or automatic dishwashing by tabletting a detergent composition comprising solid components which form a total particulate base detergent matrix and non-aqueous liquid components having viscosity of 1000 cp or less is disclosed. The process involves the steps of applying the non-aqueous liquid components having viscosity of 1000 cp or less onto a low porosity fraction selected from the total particulate base detergent matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Alasdair Duncan McGregor, Jane Margaret Warwick
  • Patent number: 6174848
    Abstract: A process for washing laundry in a washing machine employs a receptacle for dispensing detergent tablets. The receptacle comprises a loosely fitting net bag having apertures with an average mesh size of between 1 and 10 mm. One or more tablets are placed in the dispensing receptacle before being placed into a washing machine along with laundry to be washed and a washing operation is carried. After the washing operation, the device is removed from the machine and stored for subsequent use. Moreover, the invention relates to a dispensing device for carrying out this process and a use of the device in laundry washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, div. of Conopco Inc.
    Inventors: George Thomas Dawson, Francois Delwel, James William Gordon, Albert Cornelis de Jong, Colin Watt Kerr, Edwin Leo Lempers, Loic Marie Tardy
  • Patent number: 6169062
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tablets comprising a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the tablet further comprising a disintegrant, at least some of the disintegrant being in the coating. The invention also relates to processes for making the tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Serge Salager, Paul Irma Albertus Van Dijk, Jeroen Van Poucke