Agglomerated Product Or Component, Or Process Of Preparing Patents (Class 510/444)
  • Patent number: 6313086
    Abstract: Low density detergent compositions, containing sulfate and an acidic dispersing aid combined with an alkaline source, which are capable of reacting together to produce a gas, are suitable for use in laundry washing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stuart Clive Askew, Graham Alexander Sorrie
  • Patent number: 6294509
    Abstract: The invention relates to disintegrating particles formed by agglomerating primary particles at least part of which are insoluble in water, wherein the agglomeration of the disintegrating particles is disintegrated in an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble salt by lowering the concentration of the water-soluble salt. The invention also relates to a cleanser or detergent composition that includes the disintegrating particles, a water-soluble salt at a concentration lower than its saturated solubility, a surfactant and water. The composition has excellent physical (mechanical) cleanability and stability with time and gives users a pleasant feeling upon use. The composition does not cause damage to and itch on the skin because the disintegrating particles are disintegrated during cleansing and rinsing, and it is extremely good in rinsability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Zenbei Meiwa, Mamoru Nakamura, Tatsuki Matsumoto, Yoshihiro Hasebe, Hideyuki Hanazawa, Ritsuko Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6294512
    Abstract: Detergent compositions contain sticky particles with at least 45% by weight of a sticky surfactant and non-sticky particles with less than about 1% by weight of sticky surfactant. The particles are further characterized by their size ranges and bulk densities. Compositions containing potassium ions are described. Dissolution of the compositions in aqueous media is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul R Mort, III, Kevin Todd Norwood
  • Patent number: 6294513
    Abstract: A process for making detergent agglomerates in which a high active surfactant paste containing mid-chain branched alkyl sulfate surfactant and a detergent builder are agglomerated together is disclosed. The process entails maintaining the high active surfactant paste in highly stable, pumpable and transportable form over an extended period of time. In this way the process facilitates multi-locational, large-scale manufacture of modern compact detergent products. In particular, the high active surfactant paste can be manufactured in one facility, and thereafter, stored and transported to a remote facility for further processing in to the finished detergent agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Chris Jensen, Gayle Elizabeth Culver
  • Patent number: 6284722
    Abstract: The present invention is targeted to obtain a high-density granular detergent composition for clothes washing having sufficient detergency even when the amount of dosage is small without lowering its detergency even after long-term storage by blending a non-soap anionic surfactant and a crystalline alkali metal silicate in a state of non-contact as much as possible. The high-density granular detergent composition for clothes washing, the granular detergent composition having a bulk density of from 0.7 to 1.2 g/cm3, including (A) a non-soap anionic surfactant; (B) a crystalline alkali metal silicate; and (C) a metal ion capturing agent other than Component (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Shu Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Tanimoto, Masaki Tsumadori, Hiroyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6281188
    Abstract: A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition having a low density of less than 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) mixing an anionic surfactant paste comprising from about 35% to about 85% anionic surfactant and from about 15% to about 65% water with a sufficient amount of a particulate water absorbing material to form a solid mass having a penetration value of from about 75 gf to about 4,000 gf, then (b) agglomerating the solid mass from step (a) and an amount of one or more other detergent ingredients in a mixer so as to produce agglomerates having an anionic surfactant content of from about 12% to about 60%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Manivanan Kandasamy, Yuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6274544
    Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by spraying a liquid binder to contact a particulate solid starting material in a low shear granulator such as a fluidised bed apparatus. The d3,2 average droplet diameter is not greater than ten times the d3,2 average particle diameter of that fraction of the solid starting material which has a d3,2 particle diameter of from 20 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m provided that if more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter less than 20 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total solid starting materials shall be taken to be 20 &mgr;m. If more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter greater than 200 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total starting solid material shall be taken to be 200 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Hendrikus Akkermans, Michael Frederick Edwards, Andreas Theodorus Groot, Cornelis Paulus Montanus, Roland Wilhelmus Pomeren, Korkut Ahmet Yuregir
  • Patent number: 6265371
    Abstract: A powdery detergent composition having a high detergency and an excellent storage stability (caking resistance), and comprising (a) a chelating agent composed of a compound having an average degree of neutralization in a molecule of 20 to 70%, a molecular weight of 600 or less, the number of carboxyl groups contained in one molecule of 3 to 5, and a constant of a chelating stability with Ca2+ of 6 to 13, (b) an alkali agent composed of a compound a 0.1% by weight aqueous solution or dispersion of which has the maximum pH of 10 or more at 20° C., at least 5 ml of 0.1 N HCl aqueous solution being required to adjust 1 liter of the aqueous solution or the dispersion to pH 9, and (c) a surfactant at specific ratios, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Genjiro Hagino, Shuji Tagata, Sachiko Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6262010
    Abstract: A particulate free-flowing laundry detergent composition comprises at least two different granular components: a granular component containing anionic surfactant, and a granular nonionic surfactant component comprising from 20 to 30 wt % of nonionic surfactant on a non-spray-dried particulate carrier material comprising sodium sesquicarbonate. The nonionic surfactant component is preferably prepared by in-situ neutralisation of sodium carbonate with a water-soluble organic acid in the presence of the nonionic surfactant, in a high- or moderate-shear mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, a Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: William Derek Emery, Terry Instone, Reinhard Kohlus, Johannes Hendrikus Langeveld, Seeng Djiang Liem
  • Patent number: 6258773
    Abstract: A process for preparing low density detergent agglomerates is provided. The process involves the step of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material having a median particle size in a range from about 5 microns to about 70 microns in a first high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates having a median particle size of from about 100 microns to about 250 microns; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates with a binder in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates having a median particle size in a range of from 140 microns to about 350 microns; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates into a fluid bed dryer in which the built-up agglomerates are agglomerated with another binder and dried to form detergent agglomerates having a median particle size in a range from about 300 microns to about 700 microns and a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul R Mort, III, Allen Dale Beer, Ricci John Jones, Millard Edward Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6248709
    Abstract: A process for continuously preparing a free flowing agglomerate having a reduced level of resulting undesirable oversized granules is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) thoroughly mixing a crystalline anionic surfactant paste with a sufficient amount of fine powders of starting detergent materials to form a free flowing agglomerate, then (b) thoroughly mixing a product of the step (a) with a non-crystalline anionic surfactant paste so as to form a free flowing agglomerate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Manivannan Kandasamy, Kenji Naemura
  • Patent number: 6245732
    Abstract: A laundry agent delivery particle and granular compositions including the particle are provided. The particle comprises a porous carrier selected from the group consisting of Zeolite X, Zeolite Y and mixtures thereof with the porous carrier including a number of pore openings. The laundry release inhibitor is then incorporated into the porous carrier so that the cross-sectional area of the release inhibitor is larger than the cross-sectional area of the pore openings of the porous carrier. The laundry release inhibitor includes the residue of a deliverable agent such as a perfume component. The deliverable agent is then entrapped in the porous carrier until the release inhibitor is hydrolyzed thereby releasing the deliverable agent and allowing it to escape from the porous carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Lois Sara Gallon, Janet Sue Littig
  • Patent number: 6235703
    Abstract: Surfactant blends, processes for preparing them and particulate detergent compositions containing them. Mobile liquid surfactant blends consisting essentially of alkyl polyglycosides and ethoxylated nonionic surfactant are provided, the surfactant blend having a viscosity at 65° C. measured at 50s−1 not exceeding 1 Pas, the weight ratio of alkyl polyglycoside to ethoxylated nonionic surfactant being within the range of from 35.65 to 65.35, there being from 2-25% of water. Various processes for the preparation of such blends are provided. The mobile surfactant blends can be used in the preparation of particulate detergent compositions or components by mixing the blend with a particulate carrier material without requiring a drying step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Willem Appel, Huig Euser, Hendricus Anthonius Rebers, Cornelis Gerhard van Kralingen
  • Patent number: 6235704
    Abstract: A solid textile detergent formulation comprises (A) from 1 to 30% by weight of inorganic builders based on carbonates, (B) from 0 to 12% by weight of inorganic builders based on crystalline or amorphous alumosilicates and/or crystalline or amorphous silicates, (C) from 0 to 5% by weight of inorganic builders based on phosphates, (D) from 1 to 40% by weight of one or more glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivatives I where R is an organic radical and M is hydrogen or a cation, as organic builder component, (E) from 0 to 40% by weight of anionic surfactants and (F) from 0.5 to 50% by weight of nonionic surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Detering, Richard Baur, Werner Bertleff, Rainer Rahm, Günter Oetter
  • Patent number: 6228833
    Abstract: Scent intensifying washing and cleaning detergents or components for these detergents are manufactured in which a solid and essentially water-free premix is produced, said premis being comprised of washing and cleaning detergent compounds and/or washing and cleaning detergent materials. The premix contains at least 0.1 wt. % perfume referring to the premix and is subjected to granulation or compacted agglomeration. By virtue of the water-free method, subsequent drying steps do not apply in which the prefume is entirely or partially vaporized. The homogenous incorporation of the prefume leads to a substantially increased fragrance of both the product as well as the articles which are dampened or dried, especially textiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
    Inventors: Kathleen Paatz, Wolfgang Lahn
  • Patent number: 6225278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid textile detergent formulation containing (A) 1-60 wt. % inorganic builders based on crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates, crystalline or amorphous silicates, carbonates and/or phosphates, (B) 1-40 wt. % of one or several glycin-N, N-diacetic acid derivatives of formula (I), wherein R stands for an organic radical and M means hydrogen or a cation, (C) 0-6 wt. % anionic surfactants with one or several sulphate groups, one or several sulphate groups or one or two carboxylate groups and (D) 0.5-50 wt. % non ionic surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Detering, Richard Baur, Werner Bertleff, Rainer Rahm, Günter Oetter, Beate Ehle
  • Patent number: 6221824
    Abstract: The storage stability of bleach-activating acetonitrile derivatives in solid detergent compositions was to be improved. This was essentially achieved by the use of compounded compounds corresponding to formula R1R2R3NxCH2CN 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. “Compounds” of this type are produced by drying in vacuo, for which purpose a suspension of the acetonitrile derivative and a solid carrier material is introduced into a mixer and the resulting mixture is dried with superheated vapor. Dishwashing detergents, more particularly machine dishwashing detergents, contain about 1% by weight to 10% by weight of this bleach boosting compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Andreas Lietzmann, Artiga Gonzalez, Stefan Hammelstein, Christian Nitsch, Horst-Dieter Speckmann
  • Patent number: 6221831
    Abstract: A free-flowing built particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) at least 27% by weight of non-soap organic detergent surfactant, (ii) one or more detergency builders, but not more than 7% by weight of alkali metal aluminosilicate, the weight ratio of surfactant to builder being at least 1.2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: William Derek Emery, Andreas Theodorus Groot, Terry Instone, Seeng Djiang Liem, Kenneth Metcalfe, Richard George Smith, Gilbert Martin Verschelling
  • Patent number: 6214785
    Abstract: What is claimed are bleach activator granules which are obtained by mixing a bleach activator with a binder and x% by weight of the total amount of a water-soluble polymer, spraying of water which comprises 100-x% by weight of the total amount of the water-soluble polymer, where x is a number from 0 to 100, and subsequent granulation and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Himmrich, Jürgen Cramer
  • Patent number: 6211136
    Abstract: A process for the production of pourable and free-flowing granular detergent composition components containing an active substance at least partly liquid at room temperature and a fine-particle carrier material for that active substance wherein the carrier material has a mean particle size of 3 &mgr;m to 0.5 mm by dropping the carrier material onto a rotating disk where it is radially accelerated by vanes arranged on the upper surface of said disk, and applying the liquid active substance to a stream of the carrier particles through an annular die formed by the outer edge of the rotating disk and a stator surrounding the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
    Inventors: Bernd Richter, Hans-Josef Beujean, Wolfgang Seiter
  • Patent number: 6211137
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositions having a density of at least of about 600 g/l comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed and (b) granulating the first agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Wayne Edward Beimesch, Jose Francisco Correa Romo, Steven Barrett Rogers
  • Patent number: 6211138
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositions having a density of at least of about 600 g/l comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, while wetting the surfactant coated with the fine powder with finely atomized liquid, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed and (b) granulating the first agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Wayne Edward Beimesch
  • Patent number: 6207635
    Abstract: A process for preparing detergent agglomerates is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) preparing a mixture of detergent components in a mixer, and (b) agglomerating the mixture from step (a) in a moderate speed mixer to produce detergent agglomerates. The detergent components include (1) from about 20% to about 35% of a surfactant compound selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and acid precursors of anionic surfactants; (2) from about 0% to about 65% of a particulate phosphate builder selected from the group consisting of polyphosphate, pyrophosphate, and mixtures thereof; (3) from about 6% to about 60% of a particulate carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Scott Adams, Bruce Albert Yeazell, Eric Fitzgerald Riddick, Junan Kao
  • Patent number: 6200949
    Abstract: Described is a process for forming controllably releasable fragrance-containing consumable articles, for example, encapsulated fragrances in detergents or fabric softener articles and compositions. The process includes the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous fragrance emulsion, including a modified starch; (b) spray drying or freeze drying the emulsion to form a fragrance-containing powder; and (c) mixing a solid consumable article base (e.g., detergent or fabric softener base) with the fragrance-containing powder. Also described are products produced by means of such processes as well as uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Henricus Gerardus Maria Reijmer, Adi Shefer
  • Patent number: 6191095
    Abstract: A particulate detergent composition having a bulk density of 700 g/l or less and containing at least 10 wt % (preferably at least 15 wt %) of organic detergent surfactant comprises a base powder composed of at least two granular components. Less than 80% by weight, preferably less than 66% by weight, of the base powder has a compressibility (measured at 20-25° C. and about 40% relative humidity) of 17% or more. Preferably one of the components of the base powder is a granule containing a high level (at least 60 wt %) of anionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, a division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: William Derek Emery, Terry Instone, Seeng Djiang Liem, Gilbert Martin Verschelling
  • Patent number: 6191097
    Abstract: A process for producing solid detergent granular materials is presented involving (a) forming an aqueous surfactant paste of an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof, and (b) drying and granulating the aqueous paste in a horizontal thin-layer evaporator or dryer having rotating fittings, wherein the drying is carried out at a temperature of 120° C. to 130° C. The process produces granules having a bulk density greater than 600 grams/liter and a uniform particle size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Thomas Lueder, Konstantinos Scholinakis, Bernhard Gutsche, Christoph Breucker, Norbert Wrede
  • Patent number: 6184193
    Abstract: A shrinkage prevention agent for water washing of clothing that would conventionally have been dry cleaned. The shrinkage prevention agent is compromised of a steam or vacuum dry-distilled liquid of two or more plants selected from sagebrush, beefsteak plant, tea, plantaginales, aloe, chrysanthemum, pine, cedar, cypress. The shrinkage prevention agent is used in a wet cleaning system that includes water washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Mic, Co., LTD
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Patent number: 6177397
    Abstract: A free-flowing agglomerated powder detergent process and the resulting composition includes from about 5% to about 80% of an alkali metal carbonate; from about 5% to about 50% of a detergent surfactant, and, up to about 25% of an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from the group of carboxylic acids that, below a first temperature, have a greater water solubility than the water solubility of its corresponding alkali-metal salt. The alkali metal salt is preferably provided solely by the reaction of (a) a premix comprising the alkali metal carbonate coated with the surfactant (b) a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, and mixtures thereof, and (c) water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: David Scott Staley
  • Patent number: 6174852
    Abstract: A high-density powdered detergent composition which has a bulk density of 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml and which comprises 0.5 to 30% by weight of (a) a glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivative, 20 to 50% by weight of (b) an anionic surfactant, 0.5 to 5% by weight of (c) an ether-type nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 10.5 to 15.0 and 1 to 30% by weight of (d) an aluminosilcate, each percentage being based on the total weight of the composition, and the component (c) being contained in an amount of 0.5 to 10.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the component (b). This composition contains both a glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivative which is a builder excellent in biodegradability and sequestering power and an inorganic builder such as zeolite or crystalline silicate, and exhibits high detergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Hayashi, Toshiharu Noguchi, Masaki Tsumadori, Masaaki Yamamura, Noboru Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6174851
    Abstract: Storage-stable homogeneous granules with detersive properties, which are obtained by agglomeration of one or more solids with one or more granulation liquids in a free-fall mixer divided into a mixing zone and a post-mixing zone and comprising a knock-down bar fixed to an end plate from which it crosses the entire mixing zone and optionally extends into the post-mixing zone and are optionally aftertreated, may be produced by in situ neutralization of anionic surfactant acids. The products thus produced show distinct performance advantages, the process also having cost-efficient aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
    Inventors: Hubert Harth, Franz Pfeifer, Gisela Nitsch, Johann Seif, Herbert Senger, Petra-Stefanie Madle
  • Patent number: 6172033
    Abstract: A process for conditioning pastes comprising at least 40% by weight of anionic surfactant is provided. The paste is conditioned by mixing alkyl sulphate powder with the surfactant paste in a ratio of at least 1 part powder to 100 parts paste. This conditioning step increases the viscosity of the surfactant paste. The conditioned paste is processed into agglomerates by granulating with builder powders wherein the ratio of high viscosity paste to builder powder is from 9:1 to 1:5. This process enables detergent agglomerates with high surfactant activity to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lucas Goovaerts, Liben Hailu
  • Patent number: 6172034
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6169063
    Abstract: A granular detergent composition is provided. The detergent composition comprises at least about 1% by weight of a surfactant and at least about 1% by weight of a builder. The detergent composition also includes from about 6 to about 9% of a particulate foam control agent. In addition, the detergent composition includes from about 0.1 to about 10% of hydrated magnesium sulfate, from about 0.05 to about 0.4% of a protease enzyme, and from about 0.05 to about 0.2% of a cellulase enzyme. The detergent composition produces the low level of foam required for optimal cleaning in washing machines employing a low water wash process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Frank Andrej Kvietok, Wendell Ivan Norman, Ronald Allen Swift, II, Jyoti Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 6162784
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a detergent composition containing a protease enzyme comprising: i) admixing a detergent surfactant and an acid source to form a surfactant/acid mixture; ii) forming an agglomerated surfactant/acid mix; and iii) adding an enzyme to the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robin Gibson Hall, Christian Leo Marie Vermote
  • Patent number: 6162780
    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 is 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: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Terrell L. Partee, Charles Varker, Elaine T. Morse, Ronald D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6162781
    Abstract: Foam control granules, for use in particulate laundry detergent compositions, comprise a mobile hydrophobic foam control agent, preferably silicone oil in admixture with hydrophobic silica, optionally combined with a mixture of a hydrocarbon such as petroleum jelly and an alkylphosphoric acid salt, sorbed onto a porous absorbent inorganic carrier comprising or consisting of anhydrous sodium carbonate, preferably light soda ash. When such granules are prepared by mixing and granulating in a high shear mixer/granulator, the addition of from 1 to 10 wt % water after mixing and granulation results in granules having improved flow properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, div. of Conopco Inc.
    Inventors: Marinela Buscan, Francois Delwel, Angela Di-Pietro
  • Patent number: 6159927
    Abstract: The present invention relates to structured surfactant compositions comprising a detergent surfactant and hydrophilic silica particulates to be used in granular detergent compositions. The preferred silica particulate is hydrophilic precipitated silica. The process for making a structured surfactant composition comprising a detergent surfactant and hydrophilic silica particulates is also included. The present invention encompasses a structured surfactant composition consisting essentially of: (a) from about 35% to about 60% of a detergent surfactant; (b) from about 1% to about 20% of hydrophylic, finely-divided silica particulate; and (c) from about 15% to about 25% moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6156718
    Abstract: A process for making a detergent composition comprises the steps of: (i) mixing together at least two non-surfactant additives to form a premix; (ii) spraying all of the nonionic surfactant on to the premix to form a first intermediate particle; (iii) subsequently mixing the first intermediate particle with a second intermediate particle, wherein the second intermediate particle comprises anionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Scott John Donoghue, Marcel Karel Nelis Liplijn, Carole Patricia Denise Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6156719
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a low density, preferably about 300 g/l to about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) (i) dispersing an aqueous or non-aqueous surfactant, and (ii) coating the surfactant with fine powders having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in the mixer which is operated under certain conditions to obtain irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders and, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders from step (a), in a mixer which is operated under certain conditions to bind the excessive fine powders onto the irregular-shaped granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivanan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6150323
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) granulating the second agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process can also comprise further step (b'), i.e., spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6143711
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns in a mixer fitted with choppers, and (b) granulating the agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus, wherein finely atomized liquid is sprayed onto the first agglomerates in a mixer between step (a) and (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch
  • Patent number: 6140301
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l comprises the step of dispersing a liquid binder throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer to form granular agglomerates, wherein the product stream comprises crystalline zeolite. A having an oil absorbing capacity of at least 40 ml/100 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Rutherford Brougham, George Burgess
  • Patent number: 6140302
    Abstract: A process for the production of anionic surfactant granules comprising the steps of:A) Neutralizing an acidic anionic surfactant with a base in a horizontal thin-layer evaporator or thin-layer dryer; andB) Drying the resulting neutralized anionic surfactant in the evaporator or dryer to form surfactant granules; wherein the acidic anionic surfactant and the base taken together have a solids content such that the total quantity of water in the evaporator or dryer at no time exceeds about 15 % by weight and wherein the neutralization and drying are carried out in countercurrent flow with air or an alkaline gas stream at a temperature in the range of from about 120 to about 130.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Cognis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lueder, Bernhard Gutsche, Konstantinos Scholinakis
  • Patent number: 6136777
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed; (b) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed; and (c) granulating the third agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process is improved by further step (b'), by thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c), wherein, in step (b'), choppers are used to reduce the amount of oversized agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Wayne Edward Beimesch, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6133224
    Abstract: Process for making a free-flowing, particulate dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix for inclusion in a granular laundry detergent composition consisting essentially of the steps of: charging from 50% to 95%, by weight of the dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix, of a detergent builder into a mixer/granulator; adding to the detergent builder from 5% to 50%, by weight of the dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix, of a dye transfer inhibitor solution to thereby form a mixture; and agglomerating the mixture of the dye transfer inhibitor solution and the detergent builder so as to form the dye transfer inhibiting detergent admix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Adrian John Waynforth Angell, Gary Ray Cutter, Robert Gary Welch
  • Patent number: 6133214
    Abstract: A portioned detergent composition in a bag of water-soluble film in which at least 70% by weight of the particles of the detergent composition have particle sizes above 800 .mu.m. The choice of this particular particle size range eliminates otherwise typical production-related problems arising out of the permeability of the bag seams and resulting difficulties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Dieter Jung, Bernd Larson, Wilfried Raehse, Peter Sandkuehler, Hans-Peter Siegers, Hermann-Josef Welling
  • Patent number: 6133223
    Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by contacting a liquid binder and a solid neutralizing agent. The binder has an acidic component comprising an anionic surfactant acidic precursor and an inorganic acid. The inorganic acid is at least 2.5% by weight of the acidic component. The neutralizing agent and at least some of the binder are granulated in a low-shear granulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernardete Barreto Sampaio, Lazaro Valli
  • Patent number: 6121229
    Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) the second agglomerates are thoroughly mixed in a mixer to provide rounding and growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Gloria Del Greco, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 6107266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing coated bleach activator granules in which bleach activator base granules are coated with a coating substance and are simultaneously and/or subsequently thermally conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Himmrich, Georg Borchers
  • Patent number: 6107269
    Abstract: A process for producing granular detergents, cleaners or components thereof from dust-like solids having a particle size distribution such that at least 5% by weight of the solids have a diameter smaller than 0.1 mm, by placing the solids in a moving mixer and adding water in its vaporous state to the solids whereby the water in its vaporous state forms liquid water in situ on at least part of the solids in an amount of from 0.1% to 2% by weight, based on the weight of the granular detergents, cleaners or components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Henrich Engels, Michael Marschner