Cleaning Or Laundering Patents (Class 8/137)
  • Publication number: 20140208524
    Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine includes detecting a water level in a drum when a barrel cleaning is executed; supplying or draining water according to the detected water level such that a water level reaches a reference water level; soaking an interior of the drum in water; draining water after the interior of the drum is soaked in water; and detecting clothes contained in the drum by rotating the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Bae KIM, Doo Young RYU, Sung Mo LEE, Kyo Soon CHOI, Seung Hoon KIM
  • Publication number: 20140208523
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine that performs a washing course by heating wash water and a control method thereof. The method may include selecting a certain washing course from a plurality of washing courses, sensing an amount of laundry received in an inner tub and determining a wash water level required for main washing of the determined amount of laundry, supplying wash water up to a wash water level for generation of steam such that a portion of the laundry is moistened, the wash water level being higher than a bottom surface of the inner tub and lower than the wash water level for main washing, heating the wash water to a first set temperature and driving a wash water heater to generate steam from the wash water, supplying additional wash water up to the wash water level for main washing, and performing a main washing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Sunmi KIM, Dowan KIM, Youngkee OH
  • Publication number: 20140201928
    Abstract: This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Scot MIRACLE, Robert Linn MAHAFFEY, JR., Xiaoyong Michael HONG, Eduardo TORRES, Dominick Joseph VALENTI
  • Publication number: 20140201929
    Abstract: A washing machine and a washing method thereof comprises at least one washing tub for washing or containing water, and the tub is arranged with a washing medium layer which is a polymer adsorption layer. The present invention, depending on the washing medium layer arranged on the washing tub, is to handle the dirt on the clothes and in the washing water, to achieve the purpose of washing, which not only simplifies the washing procedure like other ordinary washing machines, but also greatly reduces the material cost and the manufacturing cost. In addition, the wearing to clothes is less serious during washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: HAIER GROUP TECHNIQUE R & D CENTER, HAIER GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhengbao He, Chunfeng Lao, Sheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20140201930
    Abstract: A method for reducing time needed for drying fabric comprising laundering the fabric at least 3 times with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—Cl)2, wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the time needed for drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Juan Antonio Leon Navarro, Jose Javier Tovar Pescador, Amit Sachdev, Oscar Bautista Cid
  • Publication number: 20140201927
    Abstract: The need for a treatment composition which provides a pleasant odour to a treated situs, particularly one having a long-lasting woody, floral, fruity or citrus character, and which does not discolour over time, is met by formulating the treatment composition with microcapsules comprising a microcapsule wall formed from cross-linked formaldehyde, and a core comprising an aldehyde or ketone containing perfume, in combination with a formaldehyde scavenger which does not complex with the aldehyde and/or ketone and amine, to form complexes that result in discoloration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giulia Ottavia BIANCHETTI, Jean-Pol BOUTIQUE, Hugo Robert Germain DENUTTE
  • Patent number: 8785363
    Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 8784504
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a carpet surface comprises the steps of simultaneously dispensing a cleaning composition and an oxidizing composition that enhances the cleanability of the cleaning composition from separate first and second chambers onto the carpet surface and recovering a soiled cleaning solution from the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse J. Williams, Eric J. Hansen, Lindsay M. Ulman
  • Publication number: 20140196219
    Abstract: A dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent comprises a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, an opening in said flexible portion, and means to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric. The opening is (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied. The opening is substantially closed when said pressure stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Di Bono, Ralf Wiedemann, Nicola Pretto
  • Publication number: 20140196220
    Abstract: Synergistic combinations of extended chain surfactants and co-surfactants, emulsions or microemulsions and cleaning compositions incorporating the same are provided. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended nonionic surfactants, and a linker surfactant. This system forms stable emulsions or microemulsions with oils, including non-trans fats and fatty acids and these emulsions or microemulsions are stable, irreversible and can be created at low temperature. The cleaning compositions may include the surfactant system alone, a stable emulsion or microemulsion with oil and the surfactant system, a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or soft surface and hard surface cleaning compositions comprising the surfactant combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Steven E. Lentsch, Michael Charles Denoma
  • Patent number: 8776296
    Abstract: A controlling method of a washing machine is disclosed. The controlling method of a washing machine includes washing laundry accommodated in a drum provided in the washing machine, primarily rinsing the washed laundry and an inside of the drum, using clean wash water, primarily dewatering the rinsed laundry and secondarily rinsing the dewatered laundry, using clean wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eun Jin Park, Deug Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20140189960
    Abstract: An improvement for boosting the cleaning capacity of liquid washing compositions provides for the use of a combination of one or more secondary paraffinsulfonates having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and amylase for increasing the cleaning capacity of the liquid washing compositions with respect to starch-containing stains on textiles. In accordance with the invention, it is possible to lower the amount of liquid washing composition with comparable cleaning performance, which brings environmental advantages. Moreover, it is possible to clean at low temperatures, which can reduce energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Johannes Himmrich, Barbara Duecker, Joachim Erbes, Stefan Riegelbeck
  • Publication number: 20140189959
    Abstract: Devices and methods to adjust the operation of a washing machine based on system modeling include a motor, a control board, a heater, a number of sensors, and an electronic controller. The controller receives a selected wash cycle program and determines an operating condition of the selected wash cycle program, using data from the sensors. The motor may be used as a sensor. Based on the operating condition, the controller predicts an operational parameter of the washing machine using a system model. The controller may adjust the wash cycle program to keep the operational parameter in bounds or increase efficiency. The operational parameter may be temperature, electrical current consumption, wash efficiency, or energy consumption. The wash cycle program may be adjusted by modifying the duty cycle of the motor or the heater. The system model may be recalibrated upon use to adapt to the particular characteristics of the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUIZ VON DOKONAL, FERNANDO A. RIBAS JUNIOR
  • Publication number: 20140189961
    Abstract: A roller washing machine and the washing method thereof, comprises four layers of mutually sleeved washing tubs and a water containing tub, wherein, a first tub, a second tub, a third tub and a fourth tub are arranged from inside to outside sequentially and particles are stored in a space between the second tub and the third tub; a plurality of first openings used for dewatering are arranged on the walls of the second tub and of the third tub, and a second opening allowing the particles to be put in and recycled is arranged on the wall of the second tub. The roller washing machine integrates such functions as clothes washing, separation of clothes and the particles, recycling and storage of the particles, dewatering of the particles, thus realizing 100% put-in and recycling of the particles, simplifying washing procedures and shortening washing time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicants: HAIER GROUP TECHNIQUE R & D CENTER, HAIER GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhengbao He, Chunfeng Lao
  • Publication number: 20140189962
    Abstract: A fabric conditioner composition comprising: a cationic fabric softener, and 0.02 to 0.32% by weight of an amino-functional, epoxide group containing silicone polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 400,000 to 900,000. Also, a method of reducing wrinkles on fabric during laundering comprising laundering the fabric with a composition comprising 0.02 to 0.32% by weight of an amino-functional, epoxide group containing silicone polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 400,000 to 900,000. The polymer is unexpectedly effective at low levels of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Jose Javier Tovar Pescador, Oscar Bautista Cid, Enrique Joel Valencia Garcia, Enrique Eduardo Rodriguez Villa
  • Patent number: 8772218
    Abstract: A cleaning composition that can discharge the color of blood, menstrual fluids, or other organic stains is provided. In particular, the present invention achieves a balance between control of unwanted liquid spreading by lateral wicking on a stained textile fabric to lessen the size of wet spots and maintaining the cleaning efficacy of the composition by means of specific kinds of thickening agents. The composition includes an oxidizing agent such as peroxides, a cell-lysing agent, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, a thickener, and other optional ingredients that are selectively employed to achieve an aqueous based composition that exhibits good shelf stability and stain removal properties. The thickening agent may include a cellulosic or clay material, starch, gum, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, hydrophilic colloidal particles, polyoxyethylene glycol or polyoxyethylene glycol derivatives including fatty acid esters and ethers, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Cunningham, Scott W. Wenzel, Chris Decker, Jeffrey R. Seidling
  • Publication number: 20140182065
    Abstract: A washing apparatus relies on oscillation motion that are controlled by a computer and a singular or a plural number of vibrators to cause a spring-supported sealed container containing the washing object and its surrounding liquid to oscillate in resonance motion. The purpose of fast and efficient cleaning is achieved through relative movements, frictions and air bubbles among the washing objects, container wall and liquid together at the result of this resonant motion. A plural number of motion sensors provide input signals to the computer to calculate and monitor the system resonant frequency variation and drifting of the washing apparatus and to control the vibrators' drive frequency in real-time to maintain this resonant motion for washing apparatus throughout the washing cycle under different washed object types and load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Lin
  • Publication number: 20140182068
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a laundry treating appliance to indicate an amount of laundry in a treating chamber are disclosed. An example method includes as laundry is being placed in the treating chamber, illuminating the treating chamber with light, and as the laundry is being placed in the treating chamber, repeatedly adjusting at least one or a color and/or an intensity of the light based on an amount of laundry in the treating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: BARBARA A. BALINSKI, JASON L. BARR, ANDREW LEITERT, KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, JAMES A. OSKINS, MATTHEW J. QUOCK, JAMAL O. WILSON
  • Publication number: 20140182067
    Abstract: A dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent comprises a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, an opening in said flexible portion, and means to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric. The opening is (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied. The opening is substantially closed when said pressure stops. The opening comprises a hinge valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Di Bono, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20140182066
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine. The washing machine includes an outer tub holding wash water, an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub and receiving laundry, a pulsator rotatably provided in the inner tub, a power transmission shaft rotating the pulsator, a buoyancy clutch that that moves up and down by buoyancy created by the wash water and transfers, when the buoyancy clutch is in a lower position, rotational force from the power transmission shaft to the inner tub to allow the pulsator and the inner tub to rotate integrally with each other, a circulation passage that is provided on an outer portion of the outer tub to allow the wash water drained out of the outer tub to be returned into the outer tub, a pump provided on the circulation passage and a drain guide unit that directs the wash water under the buoyancy clutch to a drain hole of the outer tub so that the buoyancy clutch moves downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Jae Won Chang, Kyu Bum Lee, Young Jong Kim, Ae Kyung Chae
  • Publication number: 20140173833
    Abstract: Cosmetic antiperspirants for nonaerosol use, having a content of methanesulfonic acid and/or at least one physiologically acceptable salt of methanesulfonic acid, which exhibit less textile staining than known antiperspirants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Bernhard Banowski, Marcus Claas
  • Publication number: 20140173834
    Abstract: Described are fabric care pellets comprising an amphiphilic polymer, preferably an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, a surfactant, and a filler, wherein the pellet contains 30 wt % to 90 wt % amphiphilic polymer, preferably ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Tong Sun, Yi Sui, Peng Gao, Yurong Cao
  • Patent number: 8759274
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to self-emulsifiable compositions comprising polyolefines, in particular polyisobutene, the process to obtain said emulsions and the use of said emulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Rainer Dobrawa, Dieter Boeckh, Rajan K. Panandiker, Julie Menkhaus, Frank Huelskoetter
  • Patent number: 8759275
    Abstract: The present application relates to high efficiency particles and compositions, such as consumer products, comprising such high efficiency particles as well as processes for making and using such high efficiency particles and compositions comprising such high efficiency particles. Such high efficiency particles and compositions provide enhanced benefit agent delivery to a situs that is treated with such high efficiency particles and compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Johan Smets, Pascale Claire Annick Vansteenwinckel, Yonas Gizaw, Frank Hulskotter, Dieter Boeckh, Hans-Joachim Haehnle
  • Publication number: 20140171890
    Abstract: A method of producing a fabric with antimicrobial properties that includes liquefying bamboo to produce a slurry, adding an antimicrobial element to the slurry, adding a non-bamboo fiber to the slurry to create a mixture and extruding the mixture to produce a fiber. The antimicrobial element may be silver particles that are ionized with a peroxide solution. The fabric may be incorporated into incontinence pads, garments and linens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: R&T FABRIC, LLC
    Inventor: BERT H. RUBINSKY
  • Publication number: 20140165295
    Abstract: The use of a laundry detergent composition for providing an anti-microbial benefit. The laundry detergent composition comprises at least 2.9%, preferably from 3.2% to 30%, more preferably from 4.3% to 20%, by weight of the composition, of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), and the laundry detergent composition is capable of delivering a free LAS monomer level of more than 60 ppm, preferably from 67 ppm to 500 ppm, more preferably from 88 ppm to 300 ppm, in a laundry washing liquor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yu GUO, Ryohei Ohtani, Yoshiki Ishida, Hans Wendt, David Michael Eike
  • Publication number: 20140165294
    Abstract: A method for removing chlorhexidine and/or avobenzone from fabric materials utilizes an acidic detergent composition including phosphoric acid and a surfactant in a flush cycle of a washing machine adapted to perform separate flush, wash, and bleaching cycles. The acidic detergent composition is present in the flush solution in a sufficient quantity to provide a pH less than about 5 and, advantageously, above about 2. The acidic detergent composition is advantageously substantially free of a chlorine-based oxidant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: PROTEUS SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Wilker, Scott D. McCormick, James Michael Lyle
  • Publication number: 20140165297
    Abstract: A dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent comprises a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, wherein at least one slit is provided in the flexible portion for dispensing the product, and means to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric. The slit is (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied. The opening is substantially closed when said pressure stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Di Bono, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20140171354
    Abstract: Detergent compositions including at least one AMPS copolymer, at least one maleic acid polymer, an alkaline agent and optional additives are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are phosphorus free, and exhibit reduced scale accumulation for warewashing applications. Solid embodiments of the present invention may be disintegrant free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Altony Miralles, Michelle Fung, John Krueger
  • Publication number: 20140165296
    Abstract: A liquid detergent composition has a thickening system which comprises triethanolamine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Fabio Costiniti, Irene Bello, Laura Roscioli, Simone Scoizzato, Luigina Simonato, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20140170194
    Abstract: The present application relates to perfume raw materials, perfumes, perfume delivery systems and consumer products comprising such perfume raw materials, perfumes and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and using such perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products. The perfumes disclosed herein expand the perfume communities' options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Robert CETTI, Zerlina Guzdar DUBOIS, Virginia Tzung-Hwei HUTCHINS, Michael Wayne KINSEY, Christine Marie READNOUR
  • Patent number: 8753453
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions that may be used in a pre-soak system which maintains whitening and eliminates concerns of chlorine stability. The compositions and methods may be used for laundry, toilet bowl cleaners, ware wash cleaners, floor cleaners and the like. The system and compositions are particularly suited for laundry in a pre-soak system that includes the use of a “strainer” or basket for accomplishing the pre-soak step. Heavier soils fall to the bottom of the receptacle while greasy soils float to the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Martinez-Crowley, Amie Blanks, Rachel Moore
  • Publication number: 20140157527
    Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a cleaning composition container and a dispensing section. The dispensing section is operable to eject an amount of cleaning composition from the cleaning composition container. The dispensing section comprises a domed surface comprising a plurality of projections adapted to work the cleaning composition into an item to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER N. V.
    Inventors: Fabio Corradini, Cecile Moine, Sara Quaggia, Ralf Wiedemann, Daniel Wong, Jenny Xiao, Eason Xu
  • Publication number: 20140157526
    Abstract: A washing system and to a method for washing clothing is disclosed. In some embodiments, the washing system comprises: a washing unit for washing clothing items, a tag connected to a clothing item (the tag being configured for transmitting one or more predetermined parameters associated with the clothing item), and a computing unit for receiving the one or more predetermined parameters transmitted from the tag. The computing unit is configured to send to the washing unit an instruction in dependence on the parameters received from tags attached to clothing situated in the washing unit such that a setting of the washing unit is adjusted for washing the clothing items situated in the washing unit. In this way, a possibility is provided for automatically getting the information about whether correct colours are combined, whether the washing temperature and other parameters are correct, and how many clothes are inside the washing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Anna LARMO, Ari Keranen, Daoyuan Li, Riikka Susitaival
  • Publication number: 20140155312
    Abstract: A detergent emulsifier for laundry and other hard surface cleaning using an APE-free surfactant blend is disclosed. The emulsifier system is efficacious for removal of oily soils and greasy food removal. The compositions according to the invention include linear and branched fatty alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylate propoxylate block copolymers. Methods of using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Sukhwan Soontravanich, Stephan Hubig, Yang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8739433
    Abstract: A household appliance (100) comprises a cabinet (105) accommodating a drum for loading items to be dried and a drying air circuit for circulating drying air through the drum for drying the items therein. The drying air circuit comprises air heating elements (415) for heating the drying air fed to the drum, and the cabinet is provided with a worktop (110) defining a surface (130) having a plurality of apertures (135) in fluid communication with an air conveying system (205,225,230) adapted to deliver a flow of air through said apertures. The air conveying system comprises an air duct (230) thermally coupled to the air heating elements in such a way as to cause heat generated by the air heating elements to heat the air to be delivered through the apertures in the drying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Daniele Da Riol, Luciano Sartor, Michele Bisaro, Massimo Castiglione
  • Patent number: 8740993
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition includes an alkalinity source, at least one nonionic surfactant and a polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate and alkyl acrylate monomers. The alkalinity source is present in an amount between about 1% and about 75% by weight of the laundry detergent composition and includes at least one member selected from alkali metal hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates. The polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate and alkyl acrylate monomers is present in an amount equal to or greater than about 0.5% by weight of the laundry detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Christensen, Lauren M. Hunker, Carter Silvernail, Brandon G. Beyer, Kerrie E. Walters
  • Publication number: 20140143959
    Abstract: The cleaning performance of washing and cleaning agents, in particular with respect to bleachable stains, was to be intensified without resulting in damage, in the context of use, to the textile treated therewith. This was achieved substantially by employing a bleaching-active species generated electrolytically from an organic mediator compound using a redox reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Mareile Job, Peter Schmiedel, Erik Brueckner, Guido Grundmeier, Markus Voigt
  • Publication number: 20140148741
    Abstract: Systems and methods described may include a garment configured to apply compressive force to the body of the wearer during wear and may receive, retain, and release a garment treatment to the wearer during wear. Garment treatments may be configured to create physiological response in the wearer through contact with the wearer's skin. A method described may include reducing the circumference of a body part during a time period, treating a cosmetocompression garment configured to cover at least a part of the body part with a slimming or other health treatment, putting on the treated cosmetocompression garment to cover at least a part of the body part, and wearing the treated cosmetocompression garment according to a schedule. A water soluble laundry packet or a dry sheet may be configured to deliver any combination of a detergent, fabric softener, antistatic substance and garment treatment during wash or drying cycle of laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Michelle Moran
  • Patent number: 8732975
    Abstract: A work surface device for a domestic household appliance and a household appliance having a work surface. The work surface device includes a housing having a cavity accessible by an opening formed in a sidewall of the housing, and a pivotally-deployable work surface supported by the housing at a pivot point, wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface is movable about the pivot point from a stored position within the cavity to a deployed position outside of the housing, and wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface has a planar upper support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Rhodes, Oliver Schöne
  • Patent number: 8732979
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method for operating the appliance to supply air into a treating chamber through an air inlet and controlling the supplied air by varying the effective area of the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Michael T. Dalton, Layne E. Heilman
  • Publication number: 20140137340
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and formulation for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the formulation is free of organic solvents. Preferably, the substrate is wetted so as to achieve a substrate to water ratio of between 1:0.1 to 1:5 w/w. Optionally, the formulation additionally comprises at least one cleaning material and, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the polymeric particles are coated with the at least one cleaning material. Preferably, the cleaning material comprises a surfactant, which most preferably has detergent properties. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fibre. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of nylon, most preferably in the form of nylon chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: XEROS LIMITED
    Inventors: STEPHEN MARTIN BURKINSHAW, JANE HOWROYD
  • Publication number: 20140142196
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pre-rinsing laundry and treating other surfaces employing a composition that can kill bedbug eggs. The composition includes a fatty alcohol and an alcohol ethoxylate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Yvonne M. Killeen, Victor F. Man, Joelle F. Olson, Erin F. Loosbrock
  • Publication number: 20140140948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pre-rinsing laundry and treating other surfaces employing a composition that can kill bedbug eggs. The composition includes an anionic compound and is at pH just above neutral, e.g., about 7 to about 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik Olson, Yvonne Killeen, Victor Man, Joelle Olson, Erin Loosbrock
  • Publication number: 20140137339
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method of removing hair from a textile article or the like. The method comprises providing a solid or liquid composition comprising sodium hydroxide, dispersing the solid or liquid concentrate in an aqueous medium that is contacted with the textile article or the like, such that the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the aqueous medium is 1-15% w/w, and maintaining the aqueous medium in contact with the textile article or the like at a temperature between 10° C. and 120° C. for a period of between 1 and 180 minutes. The sodium hydroxide causes dissolution of hair from the textile article. There is also provided a concentrate comprising sodium hydroxide used in such method. Such method is particularly useful in treating human hairwear, especially hairwear used in sanitary conditions, such as food production, and for pet products to which animal hair may adhere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ABURNET LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard John Stacey Burnet, Paul Parsons, Subhash Chander Anand, Karthick Kanchi Govarthanam, Subbiyan Rajendran
  • Patent number: 8729004
    Abstract: Chemical compositions and method of making the same are disclosed. The disclosed chemical compositions are particularly useful in methods of removing unwanted components within a papermaking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: West End Products, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Z. Lasik, William F. Mullen
  • Patent number: 8728172
    Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for providing one or more benefits, including a color rejuvenation and/or color maintenance benefit to a fabric are disclosed. The disclosed compositions contain at least one cationic polymer. The methods include providing the disclosed compositions in combination with a source of anionic surfactant. Unit dose and multi-compartment systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Alessandro Corona, III, Brian W. Everingham, Gayle Marie Frankenbach, Heidi Hsieh, Rajan Keshav Panandiker, Brian Joseph Roselle, Beth Ann Schubert, Mark Robert Sivik, Kerry Andrew Vetter, Gregory Thomas Waning
  • Publication number: 20140130267
    Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting composition comprises a long-chain alkyl polyamine, such as dodecyl dipropylene triamine; a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, such as N,N-didecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride; and a metal carbonate salt, such as potassium carbonate, all in aqueous solution. A sequestering agent, a long-chain alkyl polyethoxylate, an alkanolamine and an anti-corrosive agent may also be present. The composition has a pH of at least 11 when diluted to an in-use concentration, and may be used to clean and disinfect hard surfaces, such as medical, dental and surgical implements, walls, floors, sinks and hard furnishing surfaces, or soft surfaces such as bedding, upholstery or clothing. The composition is effective as a virucide, a sporicide, a bacteriocide, a fungicide, and against yeasts and moulds, without harming the substrate cleansed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: AMITY LIMITED
    Inventors: Mokhles TANGESTANI-NEJAD, RAM SINGH
  • Patent number: 8722611
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising certain lipase variants and a fabric hueing agent and processes for making and using such compositions. Including the use of such compositions to clean and/or treat a situs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Neil Joseph Lant
  • Patent number: 8719986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a washing machine which minimizes damage to laundry to be washed. The control method includes executing a washing cycle to wash laundry to be washed by supplying wash water, dissolving detergent in wash water and washing the laundry, executing a rinsing cycle to rinse the laundry by draining wash water, spin-drying the laundry, and rinsing the laundry, and executing a spin-drying cycle to spin-dry the laundry by draining wash water and spin-drying the laundry, wherein the dissolving of the detergent is carried out at a water level lower than a predetermined reference water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Pyounghwan Kim, Hyungyong Kim, Seogkyu Park, Youngkee Oh, Deughee Lee, Eunjin Park, Taehyok Kwon