Abstract:
The invention provides a cleaning method in which a solvent such as densified carbon dioxide can be used for rapid and efficient cleaning, but with decreased damage to solid components such as buttons. The method comprises contacting a substrate to be cleaned with a first fluid, removing the first fluid from contact with the substrate while replacing with a second fluid, and recovering the substrate substantially free of the first and second fluids and from the contaminant. The first fluid is a densified gas while the second fluid is a compressed gas. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the use of a pretreatment designed for compatibility with the densified first fluid.
Abstract:
A dry cleaning system particularly suited for employing supercritical CO2 as the cleaning fluid consisting of a sealable cleaning vessel (10) containing a rotatable drum (110) adapted for holding soiled substrate, a cleaning fluid storage vessel (12), and a gas vaporizer vessel (11) for recycling used cleaning fluid is provided. The drum (110) is magnetically coupled to a motor (120) so that it can be rotated during the cleaning process. The system is adapted for automation which permits increased energy efficiency as the heating and cooling effect associated with CO2 gas condensation and expansion can be channeled to heat and cool various parts of the system.
Abstract:
The invention provides a cleaning method in which a solvent such as densified carbon dioxide can be used for rapid and efficient cleaning, but with decreased damage to solid components such as buttons. The method comprises contacting a substrate to be cleaned with a first fluid, removing the first fluid from contact with the substrate while replacing with a second fluid, and recovering the substrate substantially free of the first and second fluids and from the contaminant. The first fluid is a densified gas while the second fluid is a compressed gas. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the use of a pretreatment designed for compatibility with the densified first fluid.
Abstract:
A dry cleaning system particularly suited for employing supercritical CO2 as the cleaning fluid consisting of a sealable cleaning vessel containing a rotatable drum adapted for holding soiled substrate, a cleaning fluid storage vessel, and a gas vaporizer vessel for recycling used cleaning fluid is provided. The drum is magnetically coupled to a motor so that it can be rotated during the cleaning process. The system is adapted for automation which permits increased energy efficiency as the heating and cooling effect associated with CO2 gas condensation and expansion can be channeled to heat and cool various parts of the system.
Abstract:
The invention provides a cleaning agent and method for removing stains from fabrics comprising a combination of dense gas, a source of hydrogen peroxide and an organic bleach activator therefor.
Abstract:
A thickening system for laundry products incorporates low levels of a fluorescent whitening agent or dye, a surfactant and an acidic pH adjusting agent. At the acidic pH, the fluorescent whitening agent precipitates as a colloidal particle, and is stabilized by associating with the surfactant, resulting in thickening. Optionally, a C6-18 soap synergistically increases viscosity. The thickening system may be formulated with a bleaching product and preferably with a peroxide bleach product.
Abstract:
Storage-stable, low temperature-active liquid hydrogen peroxide laundry bleaching compositions are provided. The compositions contain a dispersion of a solid particulate peracid activator in acidic aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The activator is insoluble at the acidic conditions of storage but dissolves and activates the hydrogen peroxide at the alkaline conditions of use in laundry. Optionally the bleaching compositions can contain optical brighteners, surfactants, and/or fabric softeners.
Abstract:
A faucet mounted water filter (10) is de-scribed, comprising an upstanding water inlet (26), at a first end of the filter (10) which is attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet (30) that is downwardly directed at such first end, a second water outlet (32) at the second end of the filter (10) for discharging filtered water, a filter cartridge seat (83) disposed at the second end of the filter (10), a releasable filter cartridge (40) in the form of a cylindri-cal shell having a side wall (44) that defines a chamber therein, a filter element (46) disposed within the filter cartridge (40), a latch assem-bly (90) for demountably securing the filter cartridge (40) in the cartridge seat (83) , and a valve handle (210) for selectively permitting the flow of water through the first water outlet (30) or the filter cartridge (40).
Abstract:
A dry cleaning system particularly suited for employing supercritical CO2 as the cleaning fluid consisting of a sealable cleaning vessel containing a rotatable drum adapted for holding soiled substrate, a cleaning fluid storage vessel, and a gas vaporizer vessel for recycling used cleaning fluid is provided. The drum is magnetically coupled to a motor so that it can be rotated during the cleaning process. The system is adapted for automation which permits increased energy efficiency as the heating and cooling effect associated with CO2 gas condensation and expansion can be channeled to heat and cool various parts of the system.