Polycarboxylic Acid Component, Or Acid Anhydride Or Salt Thereof (e.g., Sodium Citrate, Maleic Anhydride Polymer, Polyacrylic Acid, Etc.) Patents (Class 510/361)
  • Patent number: 6114294
    Abstract: The invention relates to the inhibition of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate scales in aqueous systems involving adding to said aqueous system at least one copolymer comprising the following monomers in polymerized form:(I) 50-80% by weight of one or more weak acids; (II) 2-50% by weight of one or more strong acids;(III) 0-30% by weight of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 dicarboxylic acids; and(IV) 0-30% by weight of one or more monomethylenically unsaturated monomers polymerisable with (I), (II) and (III);wherein the total of monomers (I), (II), (III), and (IV) equals 100% by weight of copolymer.The invention is particularly suited to the inhibition of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate scales which occur as a result of using low phosphate (STPP) containing detergent formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Francois Gauthier, Jan Shulman, Barry Weinstein, Andrea Keenan, Yves Duccini
  • Patent number: 6096703
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a detergent composition comprising the steps of:i) making a detergent based composition comprising a solid acid source;ii) coating the solid acid source with a detergent surfactant; andiii) further adding an alkaline source and agglomerating said alkaline source with said acid source;and wherein the alkaline source and the acid source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas. Detergent compositions thus prepared show improved dispersability. Methods of laundering fabrics using such detergent compositions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Robin Gibson Hall
  • Patent number: 6087311
    Abstract: Tablets comprise a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the coating comprising dicarboxylic acid. The tablets are provided with effervescent agents, in the core or water-swellable desintegrant in the coating which aid in their disintegration in wash liquors. The invention also relates to processes for making the tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Irma Albertus Van Dijk
  • Patent number: 6083895
    Abstract: A tabletted detergent composition comprises from 45% to 80% by weight of a builder system which is not fully hydrated and from 5% to 30% total water content, wherein the total water content comprises water derived from the builder system, optional ingredients and from added water, wherein the ratio of the total water content to added water content is from 100:1 to 5:4. The tablet exhibits improved hardness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Jane Margaret Warwick
  • Patent number: 6080711
    Abstract: A powdered laundry detergent is provided with (a) a powder laundry detergent base that includes an inorganic carrier and a surfactant and (b) post-added acidulant and discrete whitening agent particles to provide a detergent having improved cool water solubility with bulk color deterioration caused by whitening agents being minimized. The detergent includes from about 5% to about 80% of an inorganic carrier, from about 1% to about 90% of a detergent surfactant, from about 0.1% up to about 15% of an acidulant and from about 0.1% up to about 30% of the discrete whitening agent particles. The acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 8%, preferably not greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C. The whitening agent particles include a whitening agent and a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Brouwer, Michael J. Wint
  • Patent number: 6066612
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses detergent compositions comprising polymeric polycarboxylates and polyamine soil release agents. The composition has improved soil dispersancy properties, especially for polar soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Susumu Murata, Kenji Shindo, Ayako Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6063752
    Abstract: Acylated carbohydrates with at least one carboxyalkyl group etherified with the carbohydrate of the following general formulaKH(--O--CHR.sub.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --(COOH or COO.sup.-)).sub.n (--O--CO--R.sub.2).sub.m,wherein KH (carbohydrate) is a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or polysaccharide, and whereinif KH is a monosaccharide, then n=1 to 4 and m=1 to 4 with n+m=2 to 5;if KH is a disaccharide, then n=1 to 7 and m=1 to 7 with n+m=2 to 8;if KH is a trisaccharide, then n=1 to 10 and m=1 to 10 with n+m=2 to 11; andif KH is a polysaccharide, then n=0.2 to 2.8 and m=0.2 to 2.8 with n+m=0.4 to 3 (with polysaccharide referred to the monosaccharide unit of the KH), and whereinR1 is=H or a moiety with 1-9 carbon atoms, in particular an alkyl or acyl moiety, andR2 is a moiety with 1-9 carbon atoms, in particular an alkyl or acyl moiety, and wherein p=0 to 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Sudzucker Aktiengesellschaft Mannheim/Ochsenfurt
    Inventors: Sonja Ehrhardt, Alireza Haji Begli, Markwart Kunz
  • Patent number: 6063747
    Abstract: This is provided a detergent composition in compacted solid form containing(a) an organo diphosphonate crystal growth inhibitor; and(b) an alkalinity system comprising alkaline salts selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides and silicateswherein at least part of the alkalinity system comprises particulate alkaline salts coated with an organic binder and the weight ratio of organic binder to alkalinity system in the detergent composition is from 1:100 to 1:1. A making process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Jane Margaret Warwick
  • Patent number: 6043209
    Abstract: There is provided an aqueous composition for cleaning fabrics and carpets and inhibiting the resoiling of fabric and carpets. The composition includes a water miscible organic solvent, a peroxygen compound, a surfactant, a polymeric or copolymeric soil resist, and a fluorinated hydrocarbon soil resist. The solvent is selected from isopropanol, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Compositions formed with these solvents and both soil resists are particularly stable and non-turbid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P Micciche, Ann Marie Lynch, Uma Tripathi
  • Patent number: 6034045
    Abstract: A liquid aqueous, laundry detergent composition which has a pH in the range of about 7.0 to about 12.2 and comprises at least one active surfactant; an at least partially neutralized polymer of an .alpha.,.beta.-monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid containing no more than nine carbon atoms which is either (1) a homopolymer of such an unsaturated carboxylic acid, (2) a copolymer of monomers consisting of at least two of such unsaturated carboxylic acids, or (3) a copolymer of monomers consisting of at least 50 mol % of at least one of such unsaturated carboxylic acids with at least one non-carboxylic acid .alpha.,.beta.-monoethylenically unsaturated comonomer containing no more than nine carbon atoms, said polymer having a number average molecular weight of up to about 10,000 and being present in an amount equivalent to at least about 0.025 wt. % of the corresponding unneutralized polymer; and about 30 to about 95 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Carr, John Ip, Anthony J. Falotico
  • Patent number: 6034046
    Abstract: An improvement is described in all purpose liquid bathroom cleaning compositions which are especially effective in the prevention of soap scum buildup containing a zwitterionic surfactant, a glycol ether cosurfactant, an agent for the prevention of soap scum buildup and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Claude Blanvalet, Isabelle Capron
  • Patent number: 6025317
    Abstract: Porous polymers which are in powder form and contain N-vinylimidazole units and which are obtainable by free-radical precipitation polymerization ofa) 5-100% by weight of at least one N-vinylimidazole of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are identical or different and are H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, N-vinylaxazolidone, N-vinyltriazole, 4-vinylpyridine N-oxide or mixtures of said monomers,b) 0-95% by weight of other copolymerizable monoethylenically unsaturated monomers andc) 0-50% by weight of at least one monomer with at least two non-conjugated ethylenic double bonds in aqueous solution which contains 0.5-30% by weight of at least one electrolyte and, based on the monomers employed, 0.5-80% by weight of at least one surfactant, a process of the preparation thereof, and the use of the porous polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Stein, Dieter Boeckh, Christian Schade, Gerhard Rossler
  • 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: 6025316
    Abstract: Detergent composition are disclosed which are formulated for use in wash water over a wide range of pH in the washing bath. The compositions contain an anionic surfactant, optionally in combination with a nonionic surfactant with optimal builders and enzymes, and also contain at least one water soluble organic polymer, such as polyethylene glycol, which is miscible with or soluble in the surfactant. The presence of the water soluble polymer leads to enhanced fabric cleaning performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Hoai-Chau Cao, Marie-Christine Houben, Patricia Pagnoul, Patrick Durbut, Guy Broze, Anne-Marie Misselyn
  • Patent number: 6020297
    Abstract: A low color or colorless polymaleate as determined by a Gardner color number of 8 or less, said polymaleate is prepared by aqueous solution polymerization of 70 to 99.9 weight percent of maleic acid, 0.1 to 30 weight percent of an allylic sulfonate monomer, and 0.5 to 50 .mu.m, based on the moles of monomer, of a polyvalent transition metal ion selected from group consisting of Group IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of monomer, provided that 10 to 60 mole percent of the carboxylic acid groups on the maleic acid are neutralized prior to polymerization. The low color or colorless polymaleates provide permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to laundering abrasion. The polymaleates also may be used in cleaning compositions to disperse and suspend soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Austin, Allen M. Carrier, Klein A. Rodrigues
  • 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: 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: 6013612
    Abstract: A cleaning agent composition which contains as major components an aminodicarboxylic acid N,N-diacetic acid salt, (particularly aspartic acid N,N-diacetic acid salt or glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid salt) and a glycolic acid salt and of which a cleaning liquid has pH 8.5 or higher. Preferably, the composition further contains anionic surfactant and/or nonionic surfactant or an alkali metal hydroxide.The cleaning agent composition of the present invention has excellent cleaning effect and biodegradability and can be used advantageously as domestic, medical, and industrial cleaning agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Tohru Yamamoto, Sumio Soya
  • Patent number: 6008182
    Abstract: A process for preventing dye redeposition during the washing of a dyed fabric or garment made from natural fibers, which process incorporates as a dye redeposition inhibiting agent, a water-soluble or water-dispersible polyester resin composition comprising a reaction product of 20%-50% by weight of terephthalate polymer or waste terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight of at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one oxyalkylated polyol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Seydel Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Keith Salsman, Brian J. Clark
  • Patent number: 6008176
    Abstract: Glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivatives and their alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts are used as complexing agents for alkaline earth metal and heavy metal ions with the exception of .alpha.-alanine-N,N-diacetic acid as textile detergent builders in powder detergent formulations and as calcium sequestrants in oral hygiene products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Schneider, Birgit Potthoff-Karl, Alexander Kud, Richard Baur, Alfred Oftring, Thomas Greindl
  • Patent number: 6001798
    Abstract: The use of modified polyaspartic acids which are obtainable by polycondensation of aspartic acid in the presence of, in each case based on the aspartic acid employed,(a) 2.5 to 25 mol % of amines with at least 6 carbon atoms(b) at least 2% by weight of phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, polyphosphoric acids, phosphorus pentoxide, phosphonic acids or mixtures of said acids,at temperatures of at least 120.degree. C. and subsequent hydrolysis with bases to give modified polyaspartic acids with a phosphorus content of from 0.5 to 10% by weight, as additive to detergents, and detergents which contain the modified polyaspartic acids in amounts of from 0.1 to 20% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Werner Bertleff, Hans-Ulrich Jager, Angelika Funhoff, Matthias Kroner, Gunnar Schornick
  • Patent number: 5998360
    Abstract: Soluble alkali metal silicates combined with antiredeposition agents can actually have a beneficial effect on bleach stabilisation if said antiredeposition agents are intimately mixed with an alkali metal silicate solution, the resulting product being then dried (spray drying, turbo drying, etc . . . ) into granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Crosfield Limited
    Inventors: Keith R Cockett, Theo J Osinga
  • Patent number: 5994290
    Abstract: A solid textile detergent formulation, comprising(A) 1-60% by weight of inorganic builders based on crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates, crystalline or amorphous silicates, carbonates and/or phosphates,(B) 0.1-25% by weight of one or more glycine-N,N'-diacetic acid derivatives I ##STR1## where R is an organic radical and M is hydrogen or a cation, as organic cobuilders,(C) 1-40% by weight of anionic surfactants and(D) 0.5-30% by weight of nonionic surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Birgit Potthoff-Karl, Beate Ehle, Angelika Funhoff, Dieter Kiessling, Richard Baur, Thomas Greindl
  • Patent number: 5981460
    Abstract: There is provided a detergent composition suitable for use in laundry and dish washing methods comprising (a) a cationic ester surfactant; and (b) a grease dispersing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ian Martin Dodd, Christiaan Arthur Thoen, Michael Alan John Moss
  • Patent number: 5977052
    Abstract: Textiles are washed with a liquid washing agent, softened water, and salts of at least one polycarboxylic acid. The polycarboxylic acids are present in part as sodium salt and in part as calcium or magnesium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer AG
    Inventors: Lutz Heuer, Winfried Joentgen, Torsten Groth, Paul Wagner, Klaus-Peter Heise
  • Patent number: 5977047
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition in which the solids content comprises an active surfactant, at least about 60 wt. %, based on the weight of the solids of a soluble alkaline carbonate builder, and a minor amount of a carboxylic polymer which is a copolymer of about 70 to about 95 wt. % of acrylic acid and about 5 to about 30 wt. % of maleic acid based on the weight of the polymer, such copolymer having a number average molecular weight of about 1500 to about 2500. Preferably the composition also contains a minor amount of a protease enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Carr
  • 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: 5968884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation of stable, aqueous, concentrated built liquid detergents containing a hydrophilic copolymer and biodegradable chelant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Gopalkrishnan, Kathleen Guiney
  • Patent number: 5965505
    Abstract: There is a provided a detergent composition containing: (a) a heavy metal ion sequestrant; and (b) an organic peroxyacid bleaching system wherein a means is provided for delaying the release to a wash solution of said peroxyacid bleach relative to the release of said heavy metal ion sequestrant. Preferably said composition additionally contains (c) a water soluble builder wherein a means is provided for delaying the release to a wash solution of said peroxyacid bleach relative to the release of said water soluble builder. A pretreat wash method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerard Marcel Baillely, Janice Jeffrey, John Scott Park, Barry Stoddart
  • Patent number: 5962389
    Abstract: A carbonate-based detergent having improved properties is provided. Preferably, a base detergent includes an alkali metal carbonate builder, an anionic surfactant, an inert diluent, a copolymer, and a chlorine scavenger. The base detergent may be mixed with an agglomerate including nonionic surfactants and a builder such as an alkali metal carbonate. The detergent has improved color retention properties. A method of preparing the improved detergent composition is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Terrell L. Partee, Charles Varker, Elaine T. Morse, Ronald D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5961662
    Abstract: A washing method is described which has excellent washing power and a low surfactant concentration. The described clothes washing method comprises the use of a phosphorus-free clothes detergent composition comprising (a) one or more surfactants, (b) one or more alkali metal silicates, and (c) one or more metal ion capturing agents other than the alkali metal silicate (b). The above detergent composition is added to water in an amount sufficient to produce a washing liquid having the following washing conditions (1) a pH of not less than 10.60; (2) containing a material having an ion capturing capacity in an amount sufficient for theoretically changing the water hardness of said water to be not more than 0.5.degree. DH; and (3) having a surfactant concentration of from 0.07 to 0.17 g/L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Shu Yamaguchi, Noriaki Ushio, Akiko Ishikura, Katsuhiko Kasai, Masaki Tsumadori, Hiroyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5955413
    Abstract: Organic solvent free carpet cleaning compositions maintain the stainblocking properties of factory applied treatments. The compositions contain a methacrylic acid polymer component, a sequestering agent, an anionic surfactant, and optionally water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jason A. Campagna, Richard S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5948745
    Abstract: Detergent compositions are disclosed which are formulated for use in wash water over a wide range of pH in the washing bath. The compositions contain a surfactant mixture comprised of an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant optionally further including a nonionic surfactant with optional builders and enzymes, and also contain at least one water soluble organic polymer, such as polyethylene glycol, which is miscible with or soluble in the surfactant mixture. The presence of the water soluble polymer leads to enhanced fabric cleaning performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Hoai-Chau Cao, Marie-Christine Houben, Patricia Pagnoul, Patrick Durbut, Guy Broze, Anne-Marie Misselyn
  • 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: 5929006
    Abstract: A cleaning agent composition which contains as major components an aminodicarboxylic acid N,N-diacetic acid salt, (particularly aspartic acid N,N-diacetic acid salt or glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid salt) and a glycolic acid salt and of which a cleaning liquid has pH 8.5 or higher. Preferably, the composition further contains anionic surfactant and/or nonionic surfactant or an alkali metal hydroxide.The cleaning agent composition of the present invention has excellent cleaning effect and biodegradability and can be used advantageously as domestic, medical, and industrial cleaning agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Tohru Yamamoto, Sumio Soya
  • Patent number: 5925610
    Abstract: Maleate copolymers comprise less than 1% residual total free monomer and have a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000. The copolymer comprises at least 50 mole percent maleate, 10 to 50 mole percent acrylate monomer and 1 to 10 mole percent of at least one non-ionic comonomer. The copolymers are useful in inhibiting deposition of water hardness ions, in detergents and as dispersants in aqueous slurries. Copolymers are prepared by an aqueous solution polymerization process, comprising the steps of initially neutralizing at least 70%, on a molar basis, of the charge of a maleate monomer, followed by the slow addition of at least one polymerizable comonomer, together with an oxidative free radical initiator and a suitable metallic ion reductant, for synthesis over at least a three hour period at 80 to 100.degree. C., followed by the addition of more initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Anne-Marie B. Austin, Allen M. Carrier, Michael L. Standish, James H. Belcher, deceased
  • Patent number: 5925609
    Abstract: A non-phosphate builder-containing detergent composition comprising a surfactant, and a) at least 0.5% by weight of a source of hydrogen peroxide; b) from 0.01% to 10% by weight of an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor; c) from 0.001% to 5% by weight of a proteolytic enzyme; d) an alkalinity source having the capacity to deliver alkalinity to a wash solution as measured by the alkalinity release test described herein, such that the % weight of NaOH equivalent of the composition is greater than 10.6% by weight of the composition, and wherein the detergent composition has a Hydrogen peroxide Precursor Proteolytic enzyme (HPP) Index of at least 0.35 as defined by the formula: ##EQU1## wherein the % weight of proteolytic enzyme in the formulation is based on an enzyme activity of 13 knpu/g of the enzyme particle, and wherein the % AvO.sub.2 is the total amount of available oxygen present in the composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerard Marcel Baillely, Richard Timothy Hartshorn, Christian Leo Marie Vermote
  • Patent number: 5922669
    Abstract: Improved results are obtained in the no-rub cleaning of hard surfaces when the cleaner used in the process is an aqueous solution of (A) about 40-50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant mixture of an alcohol ethoxylate and a C.sub.8-16 alkyldimethylamine oxide in a weight ratio of about 5-15/1 and (B) correspondingly, about 60-50% by weight of one or more nitrogenous builders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah A. Quebedeaux, Conrad J. Langlois, Jr., Joe D. Sauer, Patrick C. Hu
  • Patent number: 5922664
    Abstract: Aqueous detergent concentrates containing a mixture of two or more surfactants having a differing resistance to electrolytic salting out in the form of micellar solutions and having pourable viscosities are converted into lamellar solutions upon dilution with water where the dispersion contains a viscosity promoting electrolyte present at a narrow range of concentration. Transformation from the micellar phase to the lamellar phase produces an increase in viscosity such that the diluted concentrate has a viscosity equal to or higher than the viscosity of the original concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Hoai-Chau Cao, Patricia Pagnoul
  • Patent number: 5910474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rinsing showers clean and for providing a pleasant sheen to shower surfaces without scrubbing or wiping by applying an aqueous composition which includes a non-ionic surfactant having an HLB less than 13, a chelating agent, and optionally, an alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Robert H. Black
  • Patent number: 5904735
    Abstract: Detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing a surfactant, builder, enzyme and from about 0.001% to about 5% by weight polyethyleneimine (PEI) or salts thereof are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, particularly on polyphenolic stains such as morello juice (cherry juice), blueberry juice, red wine, tea and coffee. Improvement was also demonstrated on certain non-polyphenolic stains such as grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Eddie Gutierrez, Shang-Ren Wu, Uday Racherla, Robert Vermeer
  • Patent number: 5888959
    Abstract: Process for preparing polycondensates of aspartic acid by polycondensation of aspartic acid at from 140.degree. to 300.degree. C. in the presence of sulfuric acid which has been partially neutralized with ammonia and/or amines as catalyst, and use of the reaction mixtures obtainable in this way or of the reaction mixtures neutralized with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal bases as additive to phosphate-free or reduced phosphate detergents and cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Kroner, Gunnar Schornick
  • Patent number: 5883065
    Abstract: An emulsified detergent composition is provided. The detergent composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 70%, by weight of the detergent composition, of a detersive surfactant wherein at least from about 70% to about 90%, by weight of the detersive surfactant, is a nonionic surfactant. The detergent composition also includes an electrolyte, in an amount sufficient to render the cloud point of the detergent composition to be less than about 20.degree. C., and water. The detersive surfactant and the water are in two phases in a weight ratio of about 1:10 to about 10:1 in the detergent composition. Superior cleaning and stain removal results because the emulsified detergent composition provides separation of the water and surfactant phases in a low water wash system over a broad temperature range and allows for cleaning below the cloud point of the surfactant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Swift, II, Stephen W. Morrall
  • Patent number: 5880081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation of stable, aqueous, concentrated built liquid detergents that contain a dye-transfer inhibiting additive. The invention also relates to a method of incorporating a dye-transfer inhibiting additive to a liquid detergent composition. The invention also relates to a method of stabilizing a liquid detergent composition containing a high molecular weight dye transfer inhibiting additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Sridhar Gopalkrishnan, Kathleen M. Guiney
  • Patent number: 5872093
    Abstract: A detergent composition with excellent color care properties. The detergent composition comprises a dendritic macromolecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Convents, Rudolf Willem Pieter van Drunen, Jean Hypolites Koek
  • Patent number: 5863879
    Abstract: The use of polymers which are preparable by reaction of(a) polymers that contain vinylamine units, with(b) compounds that contain aldehyde or keto groups, and optionally(c) NH- and/or OH-containing compoundsand which contain aminal, hemiaminal and/or aminal-acetal structures with or without unconverted vinylamine units, as detergent additive for inhibiting dye transfer during the wash, and polymers containing aminal, hemiaminal and/or aminal-acetal structures, obtainable by reaction of(a) polymers that contain vinylamine units, with(b) compounds that contain aldehyde or keto groups, and(c) NH- and/or OH-containing compounds,and detergents which contain the abovementioned polymers in amounts from 0.05 to 10% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Zirnstein, Wolfgang Trieselt, Knut Oppenlander, Claudia Nilz, Michael Kroner, Wolfgang Gunther
  • Patent number: 5863880
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition suitable for washing colored fabrics includes a water soluble poly(4-vinylpyridine betaine) polymer containing a quaternary nitrogen and a carboxylate salt as a dye transfer inhibitor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventors: Jenn S. Shih, Bala Srinivas, John C. Hornby
  • 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: 5856288
    Abstract: A new block copolymer, which is excellent with regard to abilities such as dispersibility, chelatability, and scale inhibitability, includes a polyalkylene glycol structural unit and a polyglyoxylate structural unit. This block copolymer, for example, can be produced by carrying out a polymerization reaction between a polyalkylene glycol and a glyoxylic acid-based monomer in the presence of a catalyst in a polymerization reaction system having a water content of about 30 mol % or less relative to the polyalkylene glycol, and used as a cement dispersant, pigment dispersant, water-treating agent, or detergent builder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Saeki, Hideyuki Nishibayashi, Tsuyoshi Hirata, Shigeru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5851236
    Abstract: Aqueous, homogeneous 20 to 60% solutions (L) of mixtures of(A) copolymers of(x) (meth)acrylic acidwith (y) maleic acid or maleic acid anhydride in the molar ratio (x)/(y)=0.7/1 to 7/1, with an average molecular weight M.sub.w in the range of from 500 to 500'000, as free acids and/or sodium saltsand (B) Nitrilotriacetic acid as free acid and/or sodium salt,in which the weight ratio (A)/(B) is in the range of from 1/1 to 1/10 at least 25% of the total carboxy groups are present as sodium salt and the pH of (L) is in the range of from 5 to 11, are suitable as adjuvants for the treatment of fibrous material, in particular as scouring agents for dyeings of hydrophilic fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Clariant Finance (BVI) Limited
    Inventors: Bernard Danner, Francis Palacin