Autonomous cleaning composition and method
First Claim
1. A cleaning composition in a solid state comprising:
- a gas-releasing component as a cleaning agent selected from the group consisting of perborates, percarbonates, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gas-releasing component is present in an amount from 20% to 60% by weight;
potassium silicate as a solubility control component to limit the solubility of the cleaning composition, wherein the potassium silicate is present in an amount of at least 20% by weight;
an alkalinity agent as a pH regulator, wherein the alkalinity agent is present in an amount from 1% to 35% by weight; and
a water softener to solvate metal ions in a solution of water, wherein the water softener is present in an amount from 1% to 20% by weight.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solid cleaning composition and method of manufacture are disclosed, which provide a long-term, solid cartridge made of cleaning agents and a solubility limiting agent for controlling an equilibrium concentration of the composition in a solvent, such as water. In use, the cleaning agents are dissolved only to a predetermined concentration needed for a single dose of a cleaning appliance, such as a clothes washing machine. The solid cleaning composition may be cyclically exposed to water. Controlled dissolution of the cleaning composition releases a desired quantity of cleaning agents in each cleaning cycle. The use of potassium silicate as a solubility controlling compound permits manufacture of the cleaning composition at ambient temperatures and pressures. The cleaning composition may be molded or cast into a desirable shape for controlling surface area.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A cleaning composition in a solid state comprising:
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a gas-releasing component as a cleaning agent selected from the group consisting of perborates, percarbonates, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gas-releasing component is present in an amount from 20% to 60% by weight; potassium silicate as a solubility control component to limit the solubility of the cleaning composition, wherein the potassium silicate is present in an amount of at least 20% by weight; an alkalinity agent as a pH regulator, wherein the alkalinity agent is present in an amount from 1% to 35% by weight; and a water softener to solvate metal ions in a solution of water, wherein the water softener is present in an amount from 1% to 20% by weight. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A cleaning composition in a solid state comprising:
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a gas-releasing component as a cleaning agent selected which is sodium perborate monohydrate; a solubility control component which is potassium silicate to limit the solubility of the cleaning composition, wherein the solubility control component is present in an amount of at least 20% by weight; an alkalinity agent as a pH regulator which is an alkali hydroxide; and a zeolite water softener to solvate metal ions in a solution of water. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of making a cleaning composition in solid state comprising the steps of:
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mixing a gas releasing component, an optical brightener, an anti-redeposition component, and a water softener to form a dry mixture; adding liquid potassium silicate while continuing to mix the dry mixture; adding a base, as a processing aid; pouring the mixture into a mold; and curing the cleaning composition. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification