Non-aqueous washing machine and methods
First Claim
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1. A method of cleaning comprising the steps of:
- selecting a wash liquor comprising;
a non-aqueous working fluid and at least one washing adjuvant;
bringing said working fluid in contact with the fabric in an automatic washing machine;
applying mechanical energy to provide relative movement within said fabric in the automatic washing machine;
wherein the non-aqueous working fluid is a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid; and
wherein the at least one washing adjuvant is selected from the group of;
surfactants, enzymes,-bleaches, fragrances, antistatic agents, and mixtures thereof.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.
380 Citations
40 Claims
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1. A method of cleaning comprising the steps of:
- selecting a wash liquor comprising;
a non-aqueous working fluid and at least one washing adjuvant;bringing said working fluid in contact with the fabric in an automatic washing machine;
applying mechanical energy to provide relative movement within said fabric in the automatic washing machine;wherein the non-aqueous working fluid is a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid; and wherein the at least one washing adjuvant is selected from the group of;
surfactants, enzymes,-bleaches, fragrances, antistatic agents, and mixtures thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
- selecting a wash liquor comprising;
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24. A method of cleaning comprising the steps of:
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contacting a fabric with a wash liquor in an automatic washing machine, the wash liquor comprising;
a non-aqueous working fluid, water, and a washing adjuvant;applying mechanical energy to provide relative movement within said fabric in the automatic washing machine; wherein the non-aqueous working fluid is a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid; and wherein the washing adjuvant is selected from the group of;
surfactants, enzymes, bleaches, fragrances, and mixtures thereof. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method of cleaning comprising the steps of:
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contacting a fabric with a wash liquor in an automatic washing machine, the wash liquor comprising a working fluid and a washing adjuvant; applying mechanical energy to provide relative movement within said fabric in the automatic washing machine; wherein the working fluid is a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid; wherein the wash liquor is substantially free of an organic co-solvent; and wherein the washing adjuvant is selected from the group of;
surfactants, enzymes, bleaches, fragrances, antistatic agents, and mixtures thereof. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method of cleaning comprising the steps of:
- contacting a fabric with a wash liquor in an automatic washing machine, the wash liquor comprising;
a non-aqueous, non-reactive, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid under standard conditions is further characterized by;
a KB value less than about 30;
a surface tension less than about 35 dynes/cm2; and
a solubility in water less than about 10%;water; an adjuvant; and applying mechanical energy to provide relative movement within the fabric in the automatic washing machine. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40)
- contacting a fabric with a wash liquor in an automatic washing machine, the wash liquor comprising;
Specification