Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Using solid work treating agents
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-15
2004-12-07
Markoff, Alexander (Department: 1746)
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Using solid work treating agents
C134S004000, C134S007000, C510S215000, C510S365000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06827792
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to powdered compositions and methods for absorbing, deodorizing and removing liquid wastes, and more particularly to inorganic salt compositions that form cohesive solid matrices upon absorption of liquids, thereby facilitating removal of liquid wastes from underlying surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A variety of chemical compositions are known for cleaning and deodorizing carpets, curtains, and other textiles, existing in both liquid and powdered forms. Such formulations are generally effective in removing stains and malodors associated with such things as pet urine and other moisture-related stains and spills. Often the compositions are powdered formulations containing components such as inorganic salts and zeolites.
For example, Corey et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,675) disclose a powdered composition and method for deodorizing rugs comprising 50-98 wt. % of an inorganic salt (i.e. sodium or calcium sulfates, bicarbonates, chlorides, and mixtures thereof), 0.5-30 wt. % of natural or synthetic zeolites which act as anti-static and Theological control agents, up to 20 wt. % of a liquid agglomerating agent, and 0.5-5 wt. % fragrance. The powder is applied to the rugs by shaking from a container and removed with a vacuum cleaner. However, the composition of Corey et al. is useful only for deodorizing carpets and imparting other attributes such as antistatic and anti-soiling effects to the surface, but the composition does not satisfactorily absorb or remove spilled liquids from the carpet.
Dunson, Jr. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,687) discloses an odor treatment method which works by reacting odors emitted from systems such as sewage treatment facilities with core particles containing silica and inorganic carrier salts such as sulfates, chlorides, and bicarbonates. However, the odor treatment of Dunson, Jr. merely curbs odors on an industrial scale and cannot be used for moisture absorption to contain a spill.
Colurciello et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,494) teach a flowable granular carpet cleaning composition comprising 25-40 wt. % cellulose, 0-7 wt. % zeolite or silica gel, 12-20 wt. % of an inorganic salt, 0.1-10 wt. % solvent, 0-5 wt. % acid, and minor amounts of surfactants. The inorganic salt is selected from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate. The wet formulation is applied to carpeting or other textiles, rubbed into the stained area, then permitted to dry until the composition combines with the dirt to form dry residues. The dry residues can then be removed by vacuuming or brushing.
Smith (U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,980) teaches a powdered composition for removing spills from carpeting. The powder contains inorganic salts, such as sodium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate, and an agglomerating agent. Upon saturation with water, the inorganic salt particles “wet out” but maintain their particulate structural integrity. The absorbed liquid does not cause the particles to stick together or adhere to each other or the carpet. Because the spent particles do not clump to form a cohesive mass, they are easily removed from the carpet by vacuuming.
Weller (U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,000) teaches a formulation for freshening and deodorizing carpets which incorporates inorganic salts, such as chlorides, bicarbonates, and sulfates, aluminum silicate clay, a liquid agglomerating agent, and a fragrance. After sprinkling the powdered composition onto carpeting, the spent cleaning particles are easily removed by vacuuming.
It is apparent from the prior art that powdered inorganic salt systems exist that are useful in cleaning and deodorizing textile surfaces or for removing odors from the air. However, until now, there were no known inorganic salt powders effective in absorbing and containing liquid spills on smooth, hard surfaces, as well as on fibrous, irregular materials. Nor were any of the existing compositions useful in absorbing both water-based and oil-based stains and spills. A need therefore exists for powdered compositions that are effective in absorbing and removing a variety of stains and spills from a variety of surfaces. For example, inorganic powdered compositions that can effectively remove not only household-related aqueous spills, such as pet urine, but also spilled fuel oil and liquid biohazardous waste materials would be advantageous. It would also be advantageous if such formulations were environmentally safe and nonreactive with the underlying surfaces, and if the spilled materials could be removed easily, preferably without vacuuming, and disposed of safely. The novel powdered compositions of the present invention and the inventive methods for removing liquid wastes disclosed herein satisfy the aforementioned needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the unexpected discovery that powdered compositions containing specific inorganic salt materials in admixture with silica gel in specific limited proportions relative to each other and to other components can effectively clean, deodorize, and absorb liquid wastes from both irregular fibrous surfaces, such as carpets, and smooth hard surfaces, such as floors. Surprisingly, unlike prior art compositions containing zeolites or silica gel, when the powdered compositions come in contact with liquid wastes, the absorbent properties contain the spill, creating a cohesive solid matrix that allows for easy and safe disposal. The novel compositions are effective in removing the moisture and malodors associated with pet urine and other moisture-related stains, and in absorbing biohazards, such as blood, vomit, and urine. In addition, the mixtures of the present invention can be utilized for the absorption of fuel oils and hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the novel powdered compositions do not impart undesirable properties on the cleaned surfaces and are environmentally safe.
Another advantage of the present compositions, which makes them more desirable for use than prior art formulations, is that the present powders can buffer both acids and bases. Thus, spills that are acidic or caustic may be safely disposed following treatment with the present compositions. In addition, the present compositions can lower the flash point of most solvents.
Therefore, in one aspect, the invention is a powdered composition useful in absorbing and deodorizing liquid waste. The composition comprises in admixture:
(a) from about 5 parts by weight to about 85 parts by weight of an alkali metal sulfate;
(b) from about 1 part by weight to about 45 parts by weight silica gel;
(c) from about 1 part by weight to about 75 parts by weight of an alkali metal bicarbonate;
(d) from about 1 part by weight to about 70 parts by weight of an alkaline earth metal sulfate; and
(e) from about 0 parts by weight to about 2 parts by weight fragrance additive.
A cohesive solid matrix is formed when the powdered composition contacts the liquid waste.
In another aspect, the composition comprises in admixture:
(a) from about 20 parts by weight to about 85 parts by weight of an alkali metal sulfate;
(b) from about 5 parts by weight to about 45 parts by weight silica gel;
(c) from about 1 part by weight to about 45 parts by weight of an alkali metal bicarbonate;
(d) from about 1 part by weight to about 15 parts by weight of an alkaline earth metal sulfate; and
(e) from about 0 parts by weight to about 2 parts by weight fragrance additive.
A cohesive solid matrix is formed when the powdered composition comes into contact with the liquid waste.
As used herein, the term “parts by weight” indicates the weight of the corresponding ingredient in the powdered compositions based on the total weight of the powdered compositions. The term “wt. %” indicates the percentage by weight of the corresponding ingredient in the compositions based on the total active ingredient weight of the powdered compositions.
Preferably, in the novel materials disclosed herein, the alkali metal sulfate is sodium sulfate, the alkali metal bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate, and/or the alkaline earth metal sulfate is calcium sulfate.
Cervero Ronald N.
Gower Matthew W.
Edwards & Angell LLP
Manus Peter J.
Markoff Alexander
Strategic Environmental Solutions, LLC
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