Gas Or Vapor Patents (Class 8/149.2)
  • Patent number: 6200352
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: MiCell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Romack, David F. Cauble, James B. McClain