Non-aqueous washing apparatus and method
US6045588A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC11D2111/44
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.