U.S. patent application number 10/293575 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-13 for self service dry cleaning method using siloxane solvent and machine powered by single phase electricity.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ebert, Charles, Hill, Michael I., Murphy, Dennis Stephen, Orchowski, Michael.
Application Number | 20040088795 10/293575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32176177 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040088795 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Orchowski, Michael ; et
al. |
May 13, 2004 |
Self service dry cleaning method using siloxane solvent and machine
powered by single phase electricity
Abstract
The invention provides a method of self service dry cleaning
using a dry cleaning composition comprising siloxane solvent(s) and
a machine powered by single phase electricity.
Inventors: |
Orchowski, Michael; (East
Rutherford, NJ) ; Murphy, Dennis Stephen; (Wyckoff,
NJ) ; Ebert, Charles; (Dumont, NJ) ; Hill,
Michael I.; (Mahwah, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER
PATENT DEPARTMENT
45 RIVER ROAD
EDGEWATER
NJ
07020
US
|
Assignee: |
Unilever Home & Personal Care
USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32176177 |
Appl. No.: |
10/293575 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06L 1/02 20130101; D06F
43/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/142 |
International
Class: |
D06F 001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for dry cleaning a laundry article comprising:
contacting said laundry article with dry cleaning composition
comprising a linear, branched or cyclic siloxane or mixtures
thereof. wherein a machine in which the laundry article is cleaned
is powered by single phase electricity.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said method is used in
the home.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said machine is
self-operated.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said machine is powered
by electricity with an average voltage lower than 260 volts.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said machine is powered
by electricity with an average voltage lower than 150 volts.
6. A method for dry cleaning a laundry article comprising:
contacting said laundry article with a dry cleaning composition
comprising a linear, branched or cyclic siloxane or mixtures
thereof, wherein a machine in which the laundry article is cleaned
is powered by electricity with an average voltage of less than
about 260.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein voltage is less than
about 150.
8. A method according to claim 6, wherein said method is used in
the home.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said machine is
self-operated.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to a method of self service dry
cleaning (e.g., in the home or self operated in a laundromat or
other area) using a dry cleaning composition comprising a siloxane
solvent(s) and a machine powered by single phase electricity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In many cleaning applications, it is desirable to remove
contaminants (e.g., stains) from substrates, like metal, ceramic,
polymeric, composite, glass and textile comprising substrates.
Particularly, it is highly desirable to remove contaminants from
clothing whereby such contaminants include dirt, salts, food
stains, oils, greases and the like.
[0003] Typically, dry cleaning systems use organic solvents, like
chlorofluorocarbons, perchloroethylene and branched hydrocarbons to
remove contaminants from substrates. In response to environmental
concerns, other dry cleaning systems have been developed that use
inorganic solvents such as densified carbon dioxide, to remove
contaminants from substrates. The systems that use organic or
inorganic solvents to remove contaminants from substrates generally
employ a surfactant and a polar co-solvent so that a reverse
micelle may be formed to trap the contaminant targeted for
removal.
[0004] The use of organic solvents, however, is no longer favored
since preferred organic solvents, like halogenated hydrocarbons,
often lead to environmental hazards and health risks. Also,
densified carbon dioxide is not always a desired solvent since
machines that use such a solvent can be dangerous since they
operate at very high pressures.
[0005] An alternative solvent group which has been used are the
siloxane solvents (e.g., both linear and cyclic solvents).
[0006] Commercial/industrial dry cleaning machines are used outside
the home. Typically, these machines are powered by 3-phase
electricity which has higher voltage than one phase electricity.
Three phase motors are smaller than one phase motors and,
therefore, are generally cheaper to make.
[0007] There are fabric cleaning machines which use non-aqueous
solvents, including silicone (see, for example, WO 01/94682,
assigned to Procter & Gamble). It is not clear whether these
types of machines are powered by one phase or three phase
electricity. Further, previous machines using non-aqueous fluids
have also used 3-phase electricity. Thus, machines for dry cleaning
(using non-aqueous siloxane solvents) powered by single phase
electricity are simply not clearly disclosed or suggested by the
art.
[0008] The impetus to creating the dry cleaning machines using
siloxane solvent and single phase electricity of the subject
invention was two-fold. First, since the machines of the invention
is intended for in home or self service commercial use, the lower
voltage single phase electricity is safer for homes. Also, there is
less worry about ensuring wiring is absolutely correctly done as
would be the case for three phase electricity wiring. The second
reason has to do with use of siloxane solvent. Specifically, while
siloxane solvents have many advantages over other solvents, for
reasons noted above, their flashpoint may make them susceptible to
flammability problems. Thus, to ensure the preferred siloxane
solvents can be used, especially for in-home environment, it has
been found that use of lower voltage single phase electricity is
highly desirable.
[0009] Thus, the present invention is directed to a method of dry
cleaning articles in home or in self operated environment, which
method comprises using dry cleaning machine systems comprising
siloxane solvent and wherein the system is powered by single phase
electricity.
BACKGROUND MATERIAL
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,130 to Murphy discloses a dry cleaning
system using linear silicone oligomer and optionally functionalized
surfactants and polar molecules.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,007 to Berndt et al. discloses dry
cleaning with cyclic siloxane.
[0012] EP 1,043,443 (assigned to GE) discloses a method for
cleaning and preventing redeposition on clothes using linear or
branched siloxane solvent and one or more surfactants.
[0013] None of the references disclose use of siloxane in machines
powered by single phase electricity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is directed to a method of dry
cleaning articles in a machine for self service dry cleaning (e.g.,
in the home or self operated in laundromat or elsewhere), wherein
machines are powered by a particular power source and use a
particular solvent. More particularly, the invention is concerned
with a method of self service dry cleaning using dry cleaning
solvent comprising linear or cyclic siloxane in a machine powered
by single phase electricity.
[0015] Specifically, the present invention comprises a method for
dry cleaning laundry fabrics (e.g., articles of clothing, linen,
drapery etc.) comprising contacting a fabric or fabrics with a dry
cleaning composition comprising a linear, branched or cyclic
siloxane, wherein the machine in which the fabric article is
cleaned is powered by single phase electricity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention is directed to dry cleaning process combining
dry cleaning in a dry cleaning composition comprising linear or
cyclic siloxane and using a machine powered by single phase
electricity. (It should be clear that, although we are using the
term "dry cleaning", cleaning applies to all articles of laundry
(e.g., clothes), including those traditionally cleaned in water and
which, according to the subject invention, are cleaned in
non-aqueous solvent). Because these machines may be used in the
home and because of slightly potentially greater problems
associated with flammability of siloxane solvents (notwithstanding
their other multiple benefits in other regards), it has been found
advantageous to use machines comprising siloxane solvent (for their
advantages) powered by single phase electricity power source (which
not only allows safe use of siloxane solvents in in-house machines,
but further allows less concern about wiring).
[0017] The laundry article or fabric (e.g., soiled laundry
articles) which may be dry cleaned in the invention includes men's
and women's suits, coats, rugs, slacks, curtains, linen,
upholstery, drapery, shirts, clothing accessories etc. although
these examples are not intended to be limiting in any way. As noted
above, the intention is to cover even articles traditionally
cleaned in water.
[0018] There is generally no limitation with respect to the solvent
comprising linear or cyclic substance other than that the solvent
may be employed to clean the laundry article or substrate.
[0019] The siloxane solvent of the invention may be linear,
branched or cyclic or some combination thereof of these. Linear and
cyclic oligo dimethylsiloxanes are a preferred group. Also
preferred is an alkylsiloxane represented by the formula:
R.sub.3--Si(--O--SiR.sub.2).sub.w--R
[0020] where each R is independently chosen from an alkyl group
having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and w is an integer from 1 to 30.
Preferably, R is methyl and w is 1-4, even more preferably w is 2
or 3.
[0021] Of the cyclic siloxanes, octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane and
decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane are particularly effective.
[0022] Very useful siloxanes are selected from the group consisting
of hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane,
decamethyltetrasiloxane and mixtures thereof.
[0023] A typical commercially available cyclic siloxane based
solvent is available from Green Earth Cleaning, LLC. The cyclic
siloxane based solvent generally has flash point over 65.degree.
C., with octamethyl-cyclotetrasiloxane and
decamethyl-cyclopentosiloxane being preferred. A detailed
description of such commercially available siloxane comprising
solvent may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,007 to Murphy, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the
subject application.
[0024] Preferred linear silicone polymers will have the following
formula. 1
[0025] wherein each R is independently a substituted or
unsubstituted linear, branched or cyclic C.sub.1-10 alkyl,
C.sub.1-10 alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aryloxy,
trihaloalkyl, cyanoalkyl or vinyl group, and R.sup.1 is a hydrogen
or a siloxy group having the formula:
Si(R.sup.2).sub.3 (II)
[0026] and each R.sup.2 is independently a linear, branched or
cyclic C.sub.1-10 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, C.sub.1-10
alkoxy, aryloxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, trihaloalkyl,
cyanoalkyl, vinyl group, amino, amido, ureido or oximo group, and
R.sup.3 is an unsubstituted or substituted linear, branched or
cyclic C.sub.1-10 alkyl, or hydroxy, or OSi(R.sup.2).sub.3 whereby
R.sup.2 is as previously defined, and x is an integer from about 0
to about 20.
[0027] A particularly preferred such linear solvent is one wherein
each R is methyl, R.sup.1 is Si(R.sup.2).sub.3, R.sup.2 is methyl
and R.sup.3 is methyl. Preferably, x is an integer from about 0 to
about 10, and most preferably, is an integer from about 2 to about
5, including all ranges subsumed therein.
[0028] Such solvents are made commercially by General Electric and
Dow Corning under the name Dow Corning 200.RTM. fluid. A
description of the solvents may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,931,047 and 5,410,007, the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0029] The solvent comprising the linear silicon comprising
oligomer that may be used is often made by equilibration of the
appropriate proportions of end capped and monomer units according
to the reaction: MM+.sub.xD.fwdarw.MD.sub.xM. Such a reaction is
generally known as an equilibration reaction, and is catalyzed by
an acid or a base. Similar reactions are depicted in Silicone
Surfactants, as edited by Randall Hill, Marcel Dekker (Vol.96)
1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Other similar descriptions of the synthesis of similar oligomers
may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,931,047 and 5,410,007, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Also,
the solvents are often made commercially available by Dow Corning
(e.g., Dow Corning 200 (R) fluids) and The General Electric
Company.
[0030] It is noted that while the solvent comprising the linear
silicon comprising oligomer may comprise of linear silicon
comprising oligomer, it is also within the scope of the invention
for the solvent to consist essentially of or consist of the same.
Moreover, as used herein, oligomer is defined to mean a compound
represented by Formula I wherein x is an integer from about 0 to
about 20.
[0031] When dry cleaning clothing or garments, for example, with
the cleaning solvent comprising the linear, branched or cyclic
comprising oligomer described in this invention, the type of
machine that may be used for the dry cleaning process is the same
or substantially the same as the commonly used dry cleaning
machines used for dry cleaning with perchloroethylene. Such
machines typically comprise a solvent tank or feed, a cleaning
tank, distillation tanks, a filter and solvent exit. These commonly
used machines are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
4,712,392, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0032] Once the garment is placed in the machine and the solvent of
this invention is fed into the machine, the normal cleaning cycle
is run (typically between ten (10) minutes and one (1) hour) and
the garment is cleaned. Thus, in order to demonstrate cleaning, it
is not required to add anything to the cleaning machine other than
the garment and the linear solvent of this invention.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, however, the cleaning solvent of
this invention further comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%,
and preferably, from about 0.01% to about 1.0%, and most
preferably, from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight of a silicone
oil, based on total weight of cleaning solvent and silicone oil,
including all ranges subsumed therein. The silicone oil often
preferred in this invention is an alkoxylated polydimethylsiloxane
with a molecular weight from about 600 to about 20,000. The
silicone oil preferably has ethoxy and/or propoxy pendants, with
ethoxylated pendants being especially preferred. It is also noted
that such an alkoxylated polydimethylsiloxane may also have
alkoxylated end functionalization; however, a silicone oil with
less than 50% of all sights on the silicone oil backbone capable of
being functionalized ethoxy groups is especially preferred.
Illustrative examples of such silicone oils are Silwet.RTM. 7622,
7602, 7605, 7600, 7230 and 7200, all of which are commercially
available from Witco.
[0034] In addition to silicone oil, it is especially preferred to
add from about 0.01% to about 10.0%, preferably about 0.03 to about
3.0% and more preferably, from about 0.05 to about 1.0%, and most
preferably, from about 0.1 to about 0.5% by weight of a polar
additive (e.g., C.sub.1-10 alcohol and preferably water), based on
total weight of cleaning solvent, silicone oil and polar additive,
including all ranges subsumed therein. Such an addition (silicone
oil and water) to the cleaning solvent is often desired so that
cleaning may be enhanced, for example, by the formation of reverse
micelles.
[0035] In another preferred embodiment, it is within the scope of
this invention to employ (with or without silicone oil and/or
water) 0.001% to about 10%, and preferably, from about 0.05% to
about 0.25%, and most preferably, from about 0.1 to about 0.20 by
weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of
an unfunctionalized siloxane and a functionalized siloxane (based
on total weight of cleaning solvent and unfunctionalized or
functionalized siloxane), including all ranges subsumed
therein.
[0036] The unfunctionalized siloxane is similar to the cleaning
solvent represented by Formula I, except that X is greater than 20,
and the functionalized siloxane is one having a molecular weight
ranging from about 300 to abort 20,000. The former is commercially
available from The General Electric Company and the latter is
commercially available from Goldschmidt, Inc. The preferred
functionalized siloxane is an amine functionalized siloxane wherein
the functionalization is pendent and/or end functionalization, with
less than about 50% of all sights on the siloxane backbone capable
of being functionalized having amine functionalization. Such
functionalized and unfunctionalized siloxanes are typically desired
in this invention to act as softeners when clothing is being
cleaned.
[0037] When cleaning fabrics, the pressure and temperature of the
dry cleaning system (e.g., the system comprising the fabric
targeted for cleaning, the continuous phase solvent and the
surfactant described in this invention) within the machine is
limited only to the extent that the temperature and pressure allow
for the fabric to be cleaned. The pressure is often from about 1 to
about 10,000 psi, and preferably, from about 200 to about 5,000
psi, and most preferably, from about 250 to about 3,000 psi,
including all ranges subsumed therein. The temperature is often
from about -30.0 to about 100.degree. C., and preferably, from
about -5.0 to about 70.0.degree. C., and most preferably, from
about 0.0 to about 45.degree. C., including all ranges subsumed
therein.
[0038] Adjunct materials can vary widely and can be used at widely
ranging levels. For example, detersive enzymes such as proteases,
amylases, cellulases, lipases and the like as well as bleach
catalysts including the macrocyclic types having manganese or
similar transition metals all useful in laundry and cleaning
products can be used herein at very low, or less commonly, higher
levels. Adjunct materials that are catalytic, for example enzymes,
can be used in "forward" or "reverse" modes, a discovery
independently useful from the specific appliances of the present
invention. For example, a lipolase or other hydrolase may be used,
optionally in the presence of alcohols as adjuncts, to convert
fatty acids to esters, thereby increasing their solubility in the
non-aqueous fluid. This is a "reverse" operation, in contrast with
the normal use of this hydrolase in water to convert a less
water-soluble fatty ester to a more water-soluble material. In any
event, any adjunct ingredient must be suitable for use in
combination with the non-aqueous fluid.
[0039] The compositions may comprise emulsifiers. Emulsifiers are
well known in the chemical art. Essentially, an emulsifier acts to
bring two or more insoluble or semi-soluble phases together to
create a stable or semi-stable emulsion. It is preferred in the
claimed invention that the emulsifier serves a dual purpose wherein
it is capable of acting not only as an emulsifier, but also as a
treatment performance booster. For example, the emulsifier may also
act as a surfactant thereby boosting cleaning performance. Both
ordinary emulsifiers and emulsifier/surfactants are commercially
available.
[0040] Some suitable cleaning additives include, but are not
limited to, builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators,
bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources,
antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing
aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents,
odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents,
crystal growth inhibitors, photo bleaches, heavy metal ion
sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents,
anti-oxidants, anti-redeposition agents, soil release polymers,
electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or
trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion
inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds
stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening
agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors,
suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, dye
fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle
reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers,
soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, and
mixtures thereof.
[0041] Examples of optional additives include an oxidizing agent,
like hydrogen peroxide, and an organic bleach activator such as
those represented by the formula: 2
[0042] wherein n is an integer from about 0 to about 20 and X.sup.1
is hydrogen or SO.sub.3M and M is hydrogen, an alkaline metal or an
immodium cation. A more detailed description of such additives may
be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,843, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0043] Examples of anti-static agents include C.sub.8-C.sub.12
alcohol ethoxylates, C.sub.8-C.sub.12 alkaline glycols and glycol
esters. The deodorizing agent may include fragrances such as those
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,905, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0044] Examples of hydrotropes include propylene glycol and sodium
xylene sulphonate.
[0045] The term "surfactant" conventionally refers to materials
that are surface-active either in the water, the non-aqueous fluid,
or the mixture of the two. Some illustrative surfactants include
nonionic, cationic and silicone surfactants as used in conventional
aqueous detergent systems. Suitable nonionic surfactants include,
but are not limited to:
[0046] (a) polyethylene oxide condensates of nonyl phenol and
myristyl alcohol, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,930 Kasprzak;
and
[0047] (b) fatty alcohol ethoxylates,
R--(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.aOH a=1 to 100, typically 12-40,
R=hydrocarbon residue 8 to 20 C atoms, typically linear alkyl.
Examples polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, with 4 or 23 oxyethylene
groups; polyoxyethylene cetyl ether with 2, 10 or 20 oxyethylene
groups; polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, with 2, 10, 20 21 or 100
oxyethylene groups; polyoxyethylene (2), (10) oleyl ether, with 2
or 10 oxyethylene groups. Commercially available examples include,
but are not limited to: ALFONIC.RTM., BRIJ.RTM., GENAPOL.RTM.,
NEODOL.RTM., SURFONIC.RTM., TRYCOL.RTM.. See also U.S. Pat. No.
6,013,683 Hill et al.
[0048] Suitable cationic surfactants include, but are not limited
to dialkyldimethylammonium salts having the formula:
R'R"N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2X.sup.-
[0049] where each R'R" is independently selected from the group
consisting of 12-30 C atoms or derived from tallow, coconut oil or
soy, X.dbd.Cl or Br, Examples include: didodecyldimethylammonium
bromide (DDAB), dihexadeceydimethyl ammonium chloride,
dihexadecyldimethyl ammonium bromide, dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium
chloride, dieicosyldimethyl ammonium chloride, didocosyldimethyl
ammonium chloride, dicoconutdimethyl ammonium chloride,
ditallowdimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB). Commercially available
examples include, but are not limited to: ADOGEBN, ARQUAD, TOMAH,
VARIQUAT. See also U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,683 to Hill et al.
[0050] Suitable silicone surfactants include, but are not limited
to the polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes having a dimethyl
polysiloxane hydrophobic moiety and one or more hydrophilic
polyalkylene side chains and have the general formula:
R.sup.1--(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO--[(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO].sub.a[(CH.sub.3)(R.sup-
.1)SiO].sub.b--Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2--R.sup.1
[0051] wherein a+b are from about 1 to about 50, preferably from
about 3 to about 30, more preferably from about 10 to about 25, and
each R.sup.1 is the same or different and is selected from the
group consisting of methyl and a poly(ethyleneoxide/propyleneoxide)
copolymer group having the general formula:
--(CH.sub.2).sub.nO(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.c(C.sub.3H.sub.6O).sub.dR.sup.2
[0052] with at least one R.sup.1 being a
poly(ethyleneoxide/propyleneoxide- ) copolymer group, and wherein n
is 3 or 4, preferably 3; total c (for all polyalkyleneoxy side
groups) has a value of from 1 to about 100,preferably from about 6
to about 100; total is from 0 to about 14, preferably from 0 to
about 3; and more preferably d is 0; total c+d has a value of from
about 5 to about 150, preferably from about 9 to about 100 and each
R.sup.2 is the same or different and is selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an
acetyl group, preferably hydrogen and methyl group. Examples of
these surfactants may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,562 to Hill
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,613 to Hill, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0053] Examples of this type of surfactants are the Silwet(
surfactants which are available CK Witco, Osi Division, Danbury,
Conn. Representative Silwet surfactants are as follows:
1 Name Average MW Average a + b Average total c L-7608 600 1 9
L-7607 1,000 2 17 L-77 600 1 9 L-7605 6,000 20 99 L-7604 4,000 21
53 L-7600 4,000 11 68 L-7657 5,000 20 76 L-7602 3,000 20 29
[0054] The molecular weight of the polyalkyleneoxy group (R.sup.1)
is less than or equal to about 10,000. Preferably, the molecular
weight of the polyalkyleneoxy group is less than or equal to about
8,000, and most preferably ranges from about 300 to about 5,000.
Thus, the values of c and d can be those numbers which provide
molecular weights within these ranges. However, the number of
ethyleneoxy units (--C.sub.2H.sub.4O) in the polyether chain
(R.sup.1) must be sufficient to render the polyalkyleneoxide
polysiloxane water dispersible or water soluble. If propyleneoxy
groups are present in the polyalkylenoxy chain, they can be
distributed randomly in the chain or exist as blocks. Preferred
Silwet surfactants are L-7600, L-7602,L-7604,L-7605,L-7657, and
mixtures thereof. Besides surface activity, polyalkyleneoxide
polysiloxane surfactants can also provide other benefits, such as
antistatic benefits, and softness to fabrics.
[0055] The preparation of polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes is well
known in the art. Polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes of the present
invention can be prepared according to the procedure set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,112, incorporated herein by reference.
[0056] Another suitable silicone surfactant is SF-1488, which is
available from GE silicone fluids.
[0057] These and other surfactants (e.g., including anionic and
zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use in combination with the
non-aqueous fluid as adjuncts are well known in the art, being
described in more detail in Kirk Other's Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology, 3.sup.rd Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 360-379, "Surfactants and
Detersive Systems", incorporated by reference herein. Further
suitable nonionic detergent surfactants are generally disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975,
at column 13, line 14 through column 16, line 6, incorporated
herein by reference.
[0058] As to the amount of optional additives used with the
surfactants of the present invention, such an amount is limited
only to the extent that the additive does not interfere with the
cleaning process.
[0059] A second key component of the invention (besides use of
composition comprising linear branched or cyclic siloxane) is that
the power source used to power the dry cleaning machine be a single
phase electricity power source.
[0060] By using such single phase power source instead of a typical
3-phase source used in conventional dry cleaning machines, it is
possible to more safely use the machine safely in self operated
manner (e.g., in home or laundromat). That is, the single phase
allows for the self use of a siloxane solvent dry cleaning machine
in the home (i.e., without concern that the higher voltage three
phase machine typically used in commercial establishments) and
further allow less concern about the wiring.
[0061] Generally speaking, there are two types of electricity used
for power applications, direct current (DC) and alternating current
(AC). Direct current power sources include batteries and direct
current generators. Electrons in a conductor (i.e., material
through which electrons flow such as, for example, copper, aluminum
or silver, all of which are considered good conductors; or glass
and plastic, which are considered poor conductors, or insulators)
flow continuously in one direction, as long as the circuit is
complete, in a direct current. The most common source of direct
current is a battery.
[0062] In an alternating current, electrons change directions
regularly and frequently. Alternating current is produced by an
alternating current generator. The method by which electricity is
produced by the generator causes the electrons to change direction.
Alternating current is the more common electricity as permanent
supply to commercial and industrial buildings and the domestic
premises.
[0063] Alternating current may be represented typically by a
so-called sine wave wherein a vertical axis (y axis) represents the
direction and magnitude of the current and the horizontal axis (x
axis) represents time. When the wave form is above the x axis
(y>0), current is flowing in a positive (+) direction and, when
the wave form is below the x axis (y<0), current is flowing in
the negative (-) direction. In a given period (period 1), current
starts at zero magnitude, increases to a maximum magnitude and goes
back to zero. In a second period, the current flow reverses
direction and increases in base negative direction. When it reaches
maximum negative magnitude, it diminishes until it reaches zero
again.
[0064] The pattern of alternating current flowing first in the
positive direction (period 1) and then in the negative direction
(period 2) is called one cycle (periods 1 and 2).
[0065] Normal alternating current goes through many cycles each
second. The number of cycles per second is measured in Hertz (Hz).
In Europe and many countries, alternating current is generated at
50 Hz or 50 cycles per second and, in the U.S. current is typically
generated at 60 Hz.
[0066] There are two types of alternating current, single phase and
three phase. In a single phase current, there is one current form
(also only one voltage form, where voltage, measured in volts, is
defined by Ohm's law as current measured in amperes, times
resistance, measured in Ohms). Single phase AC power is produced
either by a generator which produces only a single phase (single
phase generator) or by using only one phase of a three phase
supply.
[0067] Three phase AC power is a series of overlapping single phase
AC cycles. Each phase is offset by one third of a cycle.
[0068] According to the subject invention, the dry cleaning machine
uses a single phase (whether because it is a single phase generator
or only one phase is used from a three phase supply). Using a
single phase, it is possible to readily use the dry cleaning
machine in a self operated manner because there is no complicated
wiring for the consumer to have to deal with. Usually, single phase
electricity utilizes lower voltage than three phase and therefore
also affords a safety advantage to the consumer and their
home--this is especially true for preferred siloxane solvent and
its flash point. Preferably, the voltage in the single phase
machine should be less than about 260 voltage (especially for, for
example, European homes where voltage is about 220 volts) and
preferably, for countries like United States where home voltage is
about 110 volts, below about 150 volts.
[0069] Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where
otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description
indicating amounts or ratios of materials or conditions or
reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be
understood as modified by the word "about".
[0070] Where used in the specification, the term "comprising" is
intended to include the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, components, but not to preclude the presence or addition of
one or more features, integers, steps, components or groups
thereof.
[0071] The following examples are intended to further illustrate
the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any
way.
[0072] Unless indicated otherwise, all percentages are intended to
be percentages by weight.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0073] A consumer dry cleaning machine powered by single phase,115V
electricity is purchased and plugged into a standard wall outlet in
a home. Said machine is charged with a load of soiled mixed cotton,
rayon and silk fabric articles, and activated by the control panel.
When this occurs, it fills with a cleaning composition of the
following formula:
2 Ingredient % Decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane 99 Water 0.5 Sodium
bis 2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate 0.25 Silicone polyether (such as
Silwet L-7602, ex OSI Specialty Chemicals)
[0074] The fabric articles are tumbled in this composition for a
period of 10 minutes, rinsed with neat solvent and allowed to dry
via a condenser drying system. The use of these systems, in
conjunction with single phase, 115V electricity significantly
reduces the electrocution and fire hazards the consumer is exposed
to during the washing/drying cycles. Said clean and refreshed
clothes are then removed from the machine and hung for storage.
Example 2
[0075] A consumer dry cleaning machine outfitted with a coin box,
powered by single phase, 115V electricity is purchased and plugged
into a standard wall outlet in a self-service laundromat. Said
machine is charged with a load of soiled mixed wool, acetate and
silk fabric article, and activated by the control panel. When this
occurs, it fills with a cleaning composition of the following
formula:
3 Ingredient % Hexamethyldisiloxane 2-95 Octamethyltrisiloxane 2-95
Decamethyltetrasiloxane 2-95 Water 1.0 Sodium bis 2-ethylhexyl
sulfosuccinate 2.0 Silicone Polyether (such as Silwet L-7602, ex
OSI Specialty 2.0 Chemicals)
[0076] The fabric articles are tumbled in this composition for a
period of 10 minutes, rinsed with neat solvent and allowed to dry
via a condenser drying system. The use of these systems, in
conjunction with single-phase, 115V electricity significantly
reduces the electrocution and fire hazards the consumer is exposed
to during the washing/drying cycles. Said clean and refreshed
clothes are then removed from the machine and hung for
transportation to the consumer's residence.
* * * * *