Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating the garments with a mixture of dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPTB) and water for a period of time sufficient to effect dry-cleaning, wherein the weight ratio of DPTB to water is at least 9:1.

Abstract: A flexible container in the form of a bag is described for use in a non-immersion dry cleaning process. Bag walls that are appropriately stiff and slick are preferred (preferred Kawabata Evaluation System stiffness and surface friction values are given), as are bag designs that are inherently three-dimensional and self-supporting. A preferred embodiment is a tetrahedral bag having a slick polymeric coating on the interior surface.

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: Disclosed is a wash apparatus that comprises a cabinet adapted to receive fabrics for hanging and further adapted to provide for some dry laundering of the hanging fabrics using a working fluid. Disclosed is a washing machine apparatus adapted to provide for some dry laundering of fabrics in a sealed wash chamber using a working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article cleaning apparatus comprising an air management mechanism, a cleaning basket assembly, a fluid regeneration device, a working fluid device, a clean fluid device, and a controller. The working fluid device is coupled to the fluid regeneration device, the cleaning basket assembly, and the air management mechanism. The clean fluid device is coupled to the cleaning basket assembly and the fluid regeneration device. The controller is coupled to the air management mechanism, the cleaning basket assembly, the working fluid device, the regeneration device, and the clean fluid device. The controller is configured to control a cleaning process. The present invention also provides a method for performing the cleaning process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning solvent and method for dry-cleaning. The dry-cleaning solvent and method employ a linear silicon comprising oligomer that unexpectedly results in excellent cleaning properties in the absence of any known environmental or health risks.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is directed to a dry cleaning process, comprising the use of volatile cyclic, linear or branched siloxanes in the vapor phase for the cleaning of soiled or stained fabrics. The linear or branched siloxanes have the formula: M2+y+2zDxTyQz wherein M is R13SiO1/2; D is R2R3SiO2/2; T is R4SiO3/2; and Q is SiO4/2 R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having from one to forty carbon atoms; and x and y are each integers, wherein 0≦x≦10 and 0≦y≦10 and 0≦z≦10. While the cyclic siloxanes have the formula: wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from one to forty carbon atoms; and a and b are each integers wherein 0≦a≦10 and 0≦b≦10, provided that 3≦(a+b)≦10.

Abstract: A composition for finishing an article comprising a non-volatile siloxane, and a method for finishing an article with a composition comprising a non-volatile siloxane.

Abstract: This is a business model algorithm for a dry cleaning system utilizing organo silicone-based solvents and incorporating a business model algorithm for the conversion of dry cleaning equipment and machines which were previously designed for and used with other solvents. The algorithms include distinct studies of each individual machine or piece of equipment being converted and the application of particular techniques to accommodate the differences in the solvents including the plumbing of the machines, the safety factors involved, and special training and instruction of the equipment operating personnel.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to treat fabrics with lipophilic fluid and a hydrophobic chelant are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Chemical formulations and methods for removing unwanted material, such as unexposed photoresist, metal oxides, CMP residue, and the like, from semiconductor wafers or other substrates. The formulations utilize a supercritical fluid-based cleaning composition, which may further include (I) co-solvent(s), (II) surfactant(s), (III) chelating agent(s), and/or (IV) chemical reactant(s).

Abstract: Solvent treatment methods for treating fabric articles, more particularly it relates to oxygenated solvent treatment methods are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A process of cleaning a substrate, the process comprising the steps of contacting a substrate with a composition comprising at least two liquids mutually presenting a liquid-liquid interface with an interfacial tension of at least 5 mN/m and agitating the substrate and/or composition whilst they are in mutual contact, wherein the composition and/or the substrate are also subjected to ultrasound before and/or during the agitation step.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to treat fabrics with lipophilic fluid and a rebuild agent are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.

Abstract: A sequential process for dry cleaning laundry articles is provided comprising

Abstract: Fabrics are cleaned by treating at least a portion of the piece of fabric with a particulating chemical, and agitated by a gas jet of a particle-dislodging gas to dislodge the particulated soil. The particulating chemical loosens embedded non-particulate soil and converts it to a particulate form, which is then separated from the fabric by the particle-dislodging gas.

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

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 dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants and, optionally water, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants.

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: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant can have one or more heteroatom and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A solvent separator apparatus having a vertical accumulator tank with a top end and a bottom end, the accumulator tank being serially connected to a vertical reservoir tank having a top end and a bottom end; a down tube vertically positioned in the accumulator tank having a top end nearest the top end of the accumulator tank and a bottom end nearest the bottom end of the accumulator tank, with an inlet at the top end of the down tube and an outlet at the bottom end of the down tube; an inlet conduit connected to the inlet of the down tube, the inlet conduit entering the bottom end of the accumulator tank and defining an upward flow path within the accumulator tank to the inlet at the top end of the down tube; a heat exchanger in communication with the down tube for withdrawing heat therefrom; and a transfer conduit defining a downward flow path from the top end of the accumulator tank to the bottom end of the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system and process for improving the characteristics of fabrics is disclosed. The system and process utilize an additive having a silicon atom, and the additive does not enhance the cleaning process but does impart a lubricious soft hand on the fabrics after cleaning.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is directed to a dry cleaning process, comprising the use of volatile cyclic, linear or branched siloxanes in the vapor phase for the cleaning of soiled or stained fabrics.

Abstract: A method for improving the stability of the shape of trousers (10) subjected to treatment with a fluid. During the treatment, the inside (12b) and outside (12a) of each leg (12) of the trousers are attached, at locations on the respective legs which are on or adjacent the crotch (16) of the trousers. Attachment may be by means of a mechanical.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of removing particulate debris, including dust, dust mites and mite fecal material from non-washable items using webbing composed of any of the following: 1) fibers that have been treated in a manner such that they acquire a long-lasting electrostatic charge of any polarity (i.e., electret), or otherwise have an intrinsic electrostatic charge; 2), fibers that are charged electrostatically negative; 3) fibers that are capable of attaining a negative electrostatic charge with moderate agitation and friction, as with the tumbling agitation of an automatic clothes dryer; 4) fibers of at least two mixed types such that the fibers have an intrinsic, long-lasting embedded (electret) electrostatic charge with respect to each other, or are otherwise capable of acquiring such electrostatic charges in an environment of moderate agitation and friction (i.e.

Abstract: A bleaching composition is provided for effective bleaching with a bleach catalyst at low temperatures. The bleaching composition comprises of a) from 0.05 microM to 50 mM of an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal; b) a source of active oxygen corresponding to 0.05 to 100 mM of active oxygen; and c) an effective amount of liquid carbon dioxide, preferably held at 25° C. or less.

Abstract: An improved dry cleaning apparatus and method for the non-aqueous cleaning of fabric materials comprises the introduction of steam into a dryer chamber containing fabric materials previously washed in a non-aqueous organic cleaning solvent such as perchloroethylene. The steam is heated at a sufficient temperature for a duration of time, both of which are determined by the type of fabric and solvents involved. The heated steam volatilizes any excess cleaning solvent contained in or on said fabric creating a gaseous water/solvent mixture which is then subsequently separated from the fabric materials. The gaseous mixture can be condensed, its component parts separated and re-used in the cycle again.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide. The article includes a stained portion or region, which is pretreated with a pretreatment composition prior to initiating the cleaning cycle. The pretreatment step is followed by contacting the pretreated article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, and an organic co-solvent. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The pretreatment composition, in a preferred embodiment, comprises at least one of (a) a surfactant; (b) d-limonene, and (c) a C12-C15 alkane co-solvent. Preferably the pretreatment composition comprises at least two, and in some particularly preferred embodiments, the pretreatment composition comprises all three, of the aforesaid ingredients.

Abstract: A dry-cleaning solvent composition for dry-cleaning is disclosed, comprising a compound or solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol methyl ether formate, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether propionate, propylene glycol methyl ether butyrate, propylene glycol ethyl ether formate, propylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol ethyl ether propionate, propylene glycol ethyl ether butyrate, ethylene glycol methyl ether formate, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol methyl ether propionate. ethylene glycol methyl ether butyrate, and the mixture thereof. The dry-cleaning solvent composition may further comprise a compound or solvent selected from the group consisting of perchloroethylene, stoddard solvent type I, stoddard solvent type II, and the mixture thereof, in an amount of below 70 wt %.

Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an aminofunctional siloxane and, optionally water or acid, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an aminofunctional siloxane.

Abstract: A bleaching composition is provided for effective bleaching with a bleach catalyst at low temperatures. The bleaching composition comprises of a) from 0.05 microM to 50 mM of an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal; b) a source of active oxygen corresponding to 0.05 to 100 mM of active oxygen; and c) an effective amount of liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system is disclosed which utilizes liquid carbon dioxide as the cleaning medium. Two storage tanks are employed in conjunction with a cleaning vessel. One of the storage tanks is employed for pressure equalization with the cleaning vessel, while the other storage tank is employed for bulk solvent transfer to and from the cleaning vessel. The temperature drop associated with pressure equalization is limited to residual liquid solvent in the pressure equalization tank. At the completion of substrate agitation in the cleaning vessel, liquid solvent is transferred back into the bulk transfer tank, while gaseous solvent is extracted into the pressure equalization tank. The temperature of the cleaning vessel and substrates drops during vapor recovery, while the temperature in the recovered vapor is elevated. The return line from the cleaning vessel is routed back into the cleaning vessel where it forms a heat exchange coil.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An additive for introduction into a dry cleaning solvent, and a method of use thereof, which reduces static electricity, minimizes linting, fights acidity to reduce corrosion, deodorizes the solvent, and does not adversely affect the filtering operation. The additive contains sodium bicarbonate and an anti-static agent; preferably in the presence of an odorant.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant can have one or more heteroatom and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising:

Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO2. The densified carbon dioxide is in a temperature range of about −78.5° C. to about 100° C. and a pressure range of about 14.7 to about 10,000 psi. At least 0.1% by volume of a modifier is preferably present. The surfactant has a polysiloxane a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO2-philic moiety connected to a CO2-phobic functional moiety. The surfantant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.

Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating, refreshing or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: An process for treating or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, wherein the method comprises contacting the fabric articles to be cleaned or treated with a cleaning fluid comprising a lipophilic fluid and removing from the fabric articles a portion of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising at least one mono-, di-, or trialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms. The compounds exhibit good solvency properties while being environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating water-containing solvent mixtures having two or more phases, using one or two gravitational separators (4, 16) and to the use of this apparatus, and also to a process for separating water-containing solvent mixtures having two or more phases. Using the novel apparatus it is possible to separate even small-density-difference solvent mixtures having two or more phases. To this end, a coalescence separator (1) has been provided upstream of the first gravitational separator (4).

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: In a method of dry cleaning, textile fabrics are contacted with densified carbon dioxide composition. The composition comprises CO2 in a weight ratio to the polar solvent of 5:1 to 100,000:1, preferably from 10:1 to 10,000:1, a hydrophilic fluorescer and surfactant.

Abstract: The fungistatic/antibacterial treatment method for sewed goods like clothes according to the present invention is characterized by the steps of permeating the fungistatic/antibacterial chemicals into a variety of sewed goods like clothes after sewed, to be adsorbed thereby, followed by draining, and then drying by heating them with hot air in the state of being hung from hangers. Thus since the sewed goods to which the fungistatic/antibacterial chemicals have been applied are dried in the state of being hung from hangers, positive fixed adsorption of the fungistatic/antibacterial chemicals can be made, foreclosing uneven permeation of the fungistatic/antibacterial chemicals, which is usually unavoidably brought about by their contact with other objects, whereby highly wash resistant fungistatic/antibacterial treatment has been realized.

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 method for cleaning objects in a pressure vessel with liquefied gases is provided. The gas liquefied under pressure is conducted into the pressure vessel. The temperature of the liquefied gas then, or beforehand, is lowered below the critical temperature of the gas and cleaning is performed at least primarily below the critical temperature and below the critical pressure of the gas. Carbon dioxide at temperatures between −20° C. and +20° C. is especially suitable. The mechanical interactions produced by the increased density and viscosity of the liquefied gas reinforce cleaning. Reduced solvent capacity does not influence the effectiveness of the cleaning. Textiles or components can therefore be cleaned at lower pressure and temperature.