Abstract: Process for treating lipophilic fluids employing filters, more particularly, multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to lipophilic fluids being filtered are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process for in-home dry cleaning comprising a non-aqueous dry cleaning step of contacting a laundry article with a non-aqueous dry cleaning composition whereby the liquor to cloth ratio (w/w) (LCR) is at most 20, and the composition comprises a) a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent; b) from 0 to 0.1 wt. % water by weight of the composition; and c) less than 0.9 wt. % of a surfactant wherein the surfactant comprises at least one anionic headgroup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid, more particularly to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid utilized in a fabric treating process, even more particularly to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid such that contaminants such as water, surfactants, water, body/food oils, fatty acids, and dyes can be removed from the lipophilic fluid. In other words, the present invention relates to the “cleaning up” of or purification of a lipophilic fluid such that it can be re-used in a lipophilic fluid system.

Abstract: A dense cleaning fluid for removing contaminants from a substrate and a method comprising same is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dense cleaning fluid comprises a dense fluid and at least one acetylenic diol or acetylenic alcohol surfactant.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: A drycleaning method is disclosed. In the method, a composition that comprises at least about 85 wt. % dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether (DMM) is used. The limited solubility of water in DMM is ideal for drycleaning. The method provides good stain removal and fast drying while avoiding excessive fabric shrinkage or soil redeposition.

Abstract: A method of removing water from a composition of matter comprises contacting a first composition of matter comprising water with a second composition of matter comprising: (1) at least one surfactant comprising at least one phosphate group and (2) a solvent comprising carbon dioxide, wherein at least a portion of the surfactant is soluble in the solvent, such that the at least one surfactant removes at least a portion of the water from the first composition.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks for washing articles in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution are provided. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention may provide improved thermodynamic efficiency by allowing carbon dioxide vapor to be transferred between wash tanks rather than condensed. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention may have a lower capital cost than multiple cleaning systems having single wash tanks. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention include a first wash tank for contacting a first article with liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, and a second wash tank for contacting a second article with liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution. The second wash tank is in fluid communication with the first wash tank. Methods of utilizing such cleaning apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry cleaning process for the in-home dry cleaning of laundry articles, comprising one or more cleaning steps followed by one or more rinse steps whereby at least one rinse step comprises contacting the laundry article with a rinse composition, said rinse composition comprising a low grade non-flammable non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent and said low grade solvent comprising at least 0.1 ppm and less than 50 000 ppm of squalene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soil redeposition inhibiting agents, soil redeposition inhibiting articles comprising such soil redeposition inhibiting agents, method for using such soil redeposition inhibiting articles for removing soils from dry or essentially dry fabrics, and systems employing said soil redeposition inhibiting agents such that soil is removed from dry or essentially dry fabrics exposed to the soil redeposition inhibiting agents.

Abstract: A drycleaning method is disclosed. In the method, a composition that comprises dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP) and is essentially free of siloxanes or polysulfonic acids is used. The composition contains at least about 80 wt. % DPnP and up to about 15 wt. % of water. The method enables superior stain removal while avoiding excessive fabric shrinkage or soil redeposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid, more particularly to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid utilized in a fabric treating process, even more particularly to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid such that contaminants such as water, surfactants, water, body/food oils, fatty acids, and dyes can be removed from the lipophilic fluid. In other words, the present invention relates to the “cleaning up” of or purification of a lipophilic fluid such that it can be re-used in a lipophilic fluid system.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance using at least a first and a second predominant fluids. Specifically, the first and the second predominant fluids are selected to be different in order to deliver more effective results. The first and the second predominant fluids are independently selected from the group consisting of water, linear or cyclic silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A papermaking wire cloth, especially for the sheet forming zone, includes a paper side (12) and a backing side (14). The wire cloth is formed out of at least one type of transverse threads (16, 18) which are interwoven with at least one type of longitudinal threads (20). The threads together form repeats (A-H) and at least two different types of crossing (22, 24). The longitudinal threads (20) are alternated within the respective repeat (A-H) on the backing side (14), forming the other type of intersection (24). The transverse threads (18) on the backing side (14) are held on their outer side (26) which faces the paper side (12), by at least two longitudinal threads (20) within the repeat (A-H) on the backing side (14). Maximum fibre support is achieved on the paper side accompanied by little marking of the upper side as the points of alternation or intersections are evenly distributed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to achieve improved cleaning of both wet washable and dry cleanable fabrics. The present invention is carried out by exposing the fabrics to an aqueous vapor and a lipophilic fluid, optionally, but preferably followed by an extraction of both.

Abstract: Compositions for dry-cleaning garments containing dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPTB), water, and at least one other solvent selected from cyclic siloxanes and glycol ethers other than DPTB suitable for use as dry-cleaning solvents, wherein the water is present at a level of about 10% by weight or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pre-treating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: A product and process for laundering delicate or dry-clean only garments in a conventional home washing machine. The process represents a home version of the commercial wet-cleaning processes for cleaning of delicate garments. The product comprises a liquid combination washing/conditioning composition and optionally a wash pretreatment composition, a flexible wrap container within which the garments are contained during washing and a pretreatment applicator.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a divided pressure vessel in a processing system employing a carbon dioxide based solvent includes transferring a first carbon dioxide based treating solution from a first liquid chamber in a divided pressure vessel having a plurality of liquid chambers to a processing vessel, returning the first treating solution from the processing vessel to the divided pressure vessel, transferring a second carbon dioxide based treating solution having a composition different from the first treating solution from a second liquid chamber in the divided pressure vessel to a processing vessel, and returning the second treating solution from the processing vessel to the divided pressure vessel. A divided pressure vessel may allow multiple solvent baths each having a different chemical composition to be stored and/or processed in a single pressure vessel while maintaining the different chemical compositions of the multiple solvent baths.

Abstract: A device for cleaning textile articles with a densified liquid state treatment gas, comprising a treatment chamber (10), a supply tank (18) for densified treatment gas and an evaporator chamber (36), which spaces are connected to each other by way of suitable tubes to allow pressure balance between the different spaces, filling of the treatment chamber (10) with liquid state treatment gas from the supply tank (18), as well as drainage of liquid state treatment gas from the treatment chamber (10) to the evaporator chamber (36). Compressor means (46) are arranged which are organized partly to achieve essentially complete drainage of gaseous treatment gas from the treatment chamber (10), and partly constitute the driving means during one in the treatment process included distillation phase, where densified treatment gas in the evaporator chamber (36) is gasified and through condenser means (44) conveyed back to the supply tank (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: A novel cleaning composition for dry cleaning applications is described. The cleaning composition utilizes a stain removal composition having a stain removal surfactant and a stain removal solvent, and the dry cleaning applications use a solvent which is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, a biodegradable functionalized hydrocarbon or a silicone comprising solvent.

Abstract: A process for dry cleaning laundry articles comprising at least one dry cleaning step followed by at least one regeneration step wherein said regeneration step comprises contacting the articles with a regeneration composition comprising 0 to 10 wt. % of a surfactant; 0.001 to 10 wt. % of water; 0 to 50 wt. % of a cosolvent and the balance being organic dry cleaning solvent, preferably a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent, wherein the regeneration composition comprises an aqueous phase having a pH of at least 5.

Abstract: Compositions for treating fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linens and drapery, wherein the compositions provide improved cleaning of soils from and/or care of and/or treatment of fabric articles, especially while providing superior garment care for articles sensitive to water as compared to conventional fabric article treating compositions, are provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method for dry cleaning with binary vapor in which articles such as fabrics and the like are subjected to tumbling in a basket or chamber while heated air is circulated through said chamber. While being tumbled, the articles are exposed to binary vapor consisting of water and solvent under pressure which loosens or removes debris and soils from the articles. The debris and soils are carried by the air and binary vapor to a filter where the soils and debris are captured with the binary vapor continuing on to a condenser where the binary vapor is converted to binary liquid. Upon conclusion of the cycle the articles are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of absorbent materials for separating water from an emulsion comprising water and lipophilic fluid. The methods, systems, and compositions of the present invention expose the emulsion to absorbent materials such that water is absorbed out of the emulsion in order to facilitate the recovery of the lipophilic fluid.

Abstract: An organic solvent-based dry cleaning composition, method and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. The composition includes at least one organic solvent and water, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition may also include at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific stain remover.

Abstract: Composition and method for removing photoresist materials from electronic components. The composition is a mixture of at least one dense phase fluid and at least one dense phase fluid modifier. The method includes exposing a substrate to at least one pulse of the composition in a supercritical state to remove photoresist materials from the substrate.

Abstract: A sequential process for dry cleaning laundry articles is provided comprising a) at least one non-aqueous dry cleaning step, b) at least one low-aqueous dry cleaning step, and, optionally, at least one rinsing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic home laundering processes for cleaning or refreshing fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery. The present invention also relates to automatic home laundering of mixed loads of fabric articles comprising machine washable fabric articles and dry clean only fabric articles.

Abstract: Compositions for treating fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linens and drapery, wherein the compositions provide improved cleaning of soils from and/or care of and/or treatment of fabric articles, especially while providing an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A composition containing a polyoxyalkylene polymer for cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, with lipophilic fluid provides improved cleaning of soils while providing excellent garment care, especially for articles sensitive to water.

Abstract: Compositions for dry-cleaning garments containing dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPTB), water, and at least one other solvent selected from cyclic siloxanes and glycol ethers other than DPTB suitable for use as dry-cleaning solvents, wherein the water is present at a level of about 10% by weight or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of marketing fabric care material for use in a home dry cleaning system. The fabric care material may be in the form of a kit for a desired consumer benefit, a desired theme or for convenience. The present invention also relates to a method of marketing dry cleaning compositions for use in a home dry cleaning system. The dry cleaning compositions include a general detergent composition, an additive composition, a pretreating composition, or mixtures thereof. The compositions may be provided to the consumers with a set of instructions so that the consumers can obtain information relating various compositions and their combinations to the desired fabric treating benefit.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance having at least one detergency step, products therefor, and kits which combine treatment products for more effective results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and processes for removing particulate soil from fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of operating a dry cleaning system are disclosed which utilize liquid carbon dioxide as the cleaning medium. The apparatus comprises two storage tanks in conjunction with a cleaning vessel, where one of the storage tanks is employed for pressure equalization and the other storage tank is employed for bulk solvent transfer to and from the cleaning vessel. The apparatus also comprises a return line from the cleaning vessel, which is routed back into the cleaning vessel where it forms a heat exchange coil. In the method of operating the dry cleaning system, the pressure equalization tank is used for absorbing temperature fluctuations and for providing efficient control of the transfer of the dry cleaning medium, using a compressor for subsequent bulk transfer.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method for dry cleaning of a fabric material characterized by the use of a unique dry cleaning solvent which is a tris(trimethylsiloxy) silane compound represented by the general formula of RSi(—O—SiMe3)3, in which Me is a methyl group and R is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or, preferably, a methyl group, or a mixture thereof with a petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent in a limited proportion. In addition to the excellent effect of dry cleaning equivalent to that of conventional dry cleaning solvents and little unpleasant smell remaining on the fabric material, the solvent used in the inventive method is little liable for the problems of environmental pollution against public and workers' health and the problem of ozone layer destruction in the aerosphere due to emission of vapors of halogenated hydrocarbon solvents can be solved by the inventive method.

Abstract: Described are compositions comprising perfluoroalkyl haloalkyl ethers and, optionally, surfactant; uses for perfluoroalkyl haloalkyl ether compounds and compositions thereof, optionally comprising surfactant; and perfluoroalkyl haloalkyl ethers.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of self service dry cleaning using a dry cleaning composition comprising siloxane solvent(s) and a machine powered by single phase electricity.

Abstract: A method for conserving carbon dioxide vapor in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution to clean articles, where the method includes removing carbon dioxide vapor from a wash tank to a vapor tank, storing the carbon dioxide vapor in the vapor tank; and charging the wash tank with carbon dioxide vapor from the vapor tank. The method may be performed as part of a wash cycle that includes filling the wash tank with cleaning solution, washing articles to be cleaned in the wash tank, and emptying the cleaning solution out of the wash tank.

Abstract: A process for reduction clearing dyed or printed polyester textiles, which comprises adding, to an acidic dyeing liquor or a wash bath, an aftertreatment composition comprising as components a) at least one compound of the formula (I) Am[(CR1R2)mSO2M]p,q  (I)  where A is NR33−q or OR42−p; p,q means q when A is NR33−q, and p when A is OR42−p; R1, R2, R4 are each hydrogen or C1-C6-alkyl; R3 represents identical or different radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C20-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl opt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electrically coalescing emulsions especially those containing lipophilic fluid. The present invention is also directed to a method to treat fabrics wherein such an emulsion is created during the treatment process and requires electric coalescence prior to reuse of the lipophilic fluid.

Abstract: A solvent vapor sensor for determining amounts of solvent vapor flowing during a solvent dry cleaning process is provided. The solvent cleaning process utilizes a solvent based cleaning fluid primarily made up of cyclic siloxane solvent. The solvent vapor sensor, i.e., a chemical specific sensor, may be configured in various forms, such as a spectroscopic sensor, a piezo-based sensor, a strain-gauge based sensor, and a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A vapor-venting containment bag having at least three flexible side walls and a VVE rating of at least about 40 and less than about 90, as measured in the Vapor Venting Evaluation Test. When the bag is in its closed configuration a three dimensional interior void space is formed whereby the bag resists collapsing. Also, a fabric cleaning and refreshment process that is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using the vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance having at least one detergency step, products therefor, and kits which combine treatment products for more effective results.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile substrate, the process including the steps of providing a textile substrate; providing a treatment bath; entraining a transport material in the treatment bath wherein the transport material further comprises a treatment material dissolved or suspended therein and wherein the transport material is substantially immiscible with the treatment bath; and contacting the textile substrate with the transport material in the treatment bath to thereby treat the textile substrate with the treatment material in the transport material.