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:
Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods 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. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition also may include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a dispenser from which the composition is selectively dispensed onto a dry garment or other object to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an internal chamber containing the composition, and the composition is dispensed onto objects prior to placing the objects in a drying machine.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a safe method for cleaning fabric articles, comprising the step of treating the fabric articles with a working cyclosiloxane dry cleaning solvent to remove contaminants from the articles, wherein the working solvent is contacted and mixed with a solidifying catalyst in case of an increased temperature event. The present invention also provides a dry cleaning system suitable for carrying out the method of the invention. Since said method has improved safety, it is very suitable for in-home use.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to processes and systems for treating leather articles, especially lipophilic fluid systems for treating leather articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and systems employing treating agents that treat, for example clean, leather articles without causing damage to the appearance of the leather articles as compared to the leather articles' original appearance prior to treatment.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a composition and/or system comprising a perfume composition for use in a lipophilic fluid fabric treatment system and methods of making and using same. Such composition provides perfume/fabric substantivity.
Abstract:
An improved fabric article treatment method in a laundering appliance involving a fluid switchover step such that the first predominant fluid is at least partially removed and a second predominant fluid is added. Specifically, the first and the second predominant fluids are selected to have different dielectric constatns. The fluid switchover method is also useful in controlling the surfactant carryover in a laundering process.
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:
Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods 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. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, 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 water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a sheet onto which the composition is permeated. In some embodiments, the article includes the composition and a carrier.
Abstract:
A process for cleaning textile fabric without the need for conventional detergent systems comprising agitating the fabric in a composition comprising at least two immiscible liquids, for example, perchloroethylene or petroleum ether and water, having at least one liquid-liquid interface with an interfacial tension of at least 5 mN/m, preferably at least 10 mN/m, and where the concentration of the most polar liquid in the composition is from 10 to 90% by volume.
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.