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: The invention is a combination of at least one dense phase fluid and at least one dense phase fluid modifier which can be used to contact substrates for electronic parts such as semiconductor wafers or chips to remove photoresist materials which are applied to the substrates during manufacture of the electronic parts. The dense phase fluid modifier is one selected from the group of cyclic, aliphatic or alicyclic compounds having the functional group: wherein Y is a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a halogen or halogenated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, silicon or a fluorinated silicon group; and wherein R1 and R2 can be the same or different substituents; and wherein, as in the case where X is nitrogen, R1 or R2 may not be present.

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: 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: 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 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 method for stabilizing silicone dry cleaning solvents that may contain an undesirable basic impurity capable of causing cyclic siloxane formation, comprising contacting the silicone solvent with an aqueous solution, and separating the silicone solvent.

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: 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: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the visual properties of a wash process which utilizes lipophilic fluid (e.g., siloxane solvent) by coloring agents, sudsing agents and mixtures thereof.

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 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 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 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 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: 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 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: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

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 method for stabilizing silicone dry cleaning solvents containing impurities, comprising contacting the silicone solvent with an adsorbent, neutralizing agent or combination thereof to purify the solvent and prevent reequilibration and polymerization, and separating the silicone solvent.

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: The present invention provides a dry cleaning process that facilitates distribution of detergent and solvent and (optionally) facilitates recovery of cleaning by-products in conjunction with the cleaning of articles at a dry cleaning facility.

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 product for use in a conventional home clothes dryer that delivers one or more desirable benefits to clothing in need of freshening. The product us particularly suited for delivering the benefits to relatively dry clothing and can be added directly to the dryer without the need for a bag to contain the product and clothing during the dryer cycle.

Abstract: A process for removing malodorous elements from silicone dry cleaning solvents, comprising contacting the used silicone solvent with adsorbent to remove the odor, and separating the silicone solvent.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning an article comprise contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising a linear or branched volatile siloxane. In one embodiment, the method for cleaning the article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising, based upon 100 pbw of the cleaning composition, 80 pbw to 99.99 pbw of a linear or branched volatile siloxane. In another embodiment, the method for cleaning the article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising, based upon 100 pbw of the cleaning composition, 50.1 pbw to 99 pbw of a linear or branched volatile siloxane and a cyclic siloxane.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising a linear or branched volatile siloxane.

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 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 surfactant 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 method for dry-cleaning garments or fabrics in carbon dioxide comprises contacting a garment or fabric article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article, said liquid dry-cleaning composition comprising a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant, and then separating the article from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The first surfactant comprises a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a hydrophilic group; and the second surfactant comprising a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a lipophilic group. In the alternative, a single surfactant containing all three of a CO2-philic group, a lipophilic group, and a hydrophilic group covalently joined to one another may also be employed. Systems useful for carrying out the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for dry cleaning fabrics comprising the steps of: (i) placing one or more fabrics to be cleaned in a device which provides heat and agitation; (ii) placing one or more carrier sheets in the device wherein the carrier sheets have about 200 grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition releasably absorbed therein; (iii) heating the air within the device to at least about 130° F. (55° C.); and (iv) agitating the fabrics and the carrier sheets until at least about 40% by weight of the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition from the carrier sheets has been evaporated and vented from the device. There is further provided a kit for dry cleaning fabrics comprising: one or more carrier sheets; and from about 200 grams to about 1,000 grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition, wherein the one or more carrier sheets can absorb at least about 200 grams of the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition.

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: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide while concurrently applying a sizing agent to the articles comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, a sizing agent. An organic co-solvent is preferably included. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. Preferred sizing agents are low molecular weight hydrocarbon resins. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry cleaning process that facilitates distribution of detergent and solvent and (optionally) facilitates recovery of cleaning by-products in conjunction with the cleaning of articles at a dry cleaning facility.

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 method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, and an end-functional polysiloxane surfactant. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments or fabrics in carbon dioxide comprises contacting a garment or fabric article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article, said liquid dry-cleaning composition comprising a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant, and then separating the article from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The first surfactant comprises a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a hydrophilic group; and the second surfactant comprising a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a lipophilic group. In the alternative, a single surfactant containing all three of a CO2-philic group, a lipophilic group, and a hydrophilic group covalently joined to one another may also be employed. Systems useful for carrying out the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an article for treating fabrics, comprising a) an absorbent carrier substrate; and b) a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition releasably absorbed in said substrate; said substrate being wholly or partly covered by; c) a fibrous coversheet which is permeable to said cleaning/refreshment composition in the liquid and/or vapor state, said coversheet having a minimum thickness of about 7 mil (0.18 mm). The coversheet helps reduce water spotting on the fabrics being treated and picks up lint and solid soils. The article is useful in an in-home process which is conducted in a clothes dryer.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. 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 method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.

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 present invention provides a dry cleaning process that facilitates distribution of detergent and solvent and (optionally) facilitates recovery of cleaning by-products in conjunction with the cleaning of articles at a dry cleaning facility.

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

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, and an end-functional polysiloxane surfactant. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A liquid composition useful for suspending and dispensing a solid particulate comprises carbon dioxide, a surfactant, an organic co-solvent, and the solid particulate to be suspended. The composition may optionally contain water. The composition is useful as a propellant in an aerosol container for spraying the solid particulate from the container.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects being dry cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. A still is disposed within one of the storage tanks and receives soiled liquid carbon dioxide as it is returned from the chamber. The pressure in the storage tank causes the soiled liquid carbon dioxide in the still to boil off. The gas is communicated to a third tank. The third tank may be used to initially pressurize the cleaning chamber. The system also includes a dispenser for the injecting solvent additives into the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. 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 method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments or fabrics in carbon dioxide comprises contacting a garment or fabric article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article, said liquid dry-cleaning composition comprising a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant, and then separating the article from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The first surfactant comprises a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a hydrophilic group; and the second surfactant comprising a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a lipophilic group. In the alternative, a single surfactant containing all three of a CO2-philic group, a lipophilic group, and a hydrophilic group covalently joined to one another may also be employed. Systems useful for carrying out the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning article suitable for use in the home. The article is characterized by a sheet that is permeated with a composition including 51-98% by weight of organic solvent such as paraffins, olefins, acetylenes or mixtures thereof, 1-35% by weight of water, and 1-14% by weight of emulsifier to allow the water to be uniformly mixed into the solvent. The composition can also include 1-5% by weight of perfume for scenting clothing, and 1-5% by weight of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant to provide additional stain removal capability of the composition. The invented composition is thus organic-solvent-based and is particularly effective to remove body or cosmetic oil stains from garments. The invention is also directed to the composition and methods for using the sheet in a drying machine.