The invention relates to a sanitary agent for cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or releasing an odorant, said agent comprising an adhesion promoter, water anionic and/or non-ionic and/or amphoteric surface active agents and, optionally, further common constituents such as odorants, thickeners, colorants and preservatives. The adhesion promoter is selected from the group of very long or long-chained organic molecules which are hydrophilic at least in part. The hydrophilic part of the adhesion promoter interacts at least in part with the water molecules in the presence of water and becomes xe2x80x9cstickyxe2x80x9d so that the agent can be applied directly on the sanitary object in the presence of small amounts of water and can adhere thereto. The viscosity of the agent is of at least 15,000 mPas and the product can only be washed away completely after numerous rinsings. The invention also relates to a method for applying a sanitary agent, wherein the agent is directly applied on the surface of the sanitary object to be cleaned and adheres to said surface.

The invention concerns a sanitary agent for cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or releasing a deodorant for sanitary objects such as toilet bowls. It is known to hang sanitary agents in the water tank by means of appropriate hanging devices, whereby from there the release of the sanitary agent takes place evenly with each flushing action in the toilet bowl. Sanitary agents are also known for use in toilet hang-in baskets, which are attached through a holder to the toilet bowl edge, whereby the sanitary agent is released with each flushing action.
A disadvantage with these known devices is its replacement by hand with a new sanitary agent, for example, in the form of a toilet cleaning block, in the existing uptake system when the sanitary agent has been used up. Among the users there exists a psychological block about putting a new one in the device after using up the sanitary agent, especially in the case of the toilet hang-in basket, whose refilling requires putting one""s hand in the toilet bowl. The take-up devices that go there are only partly and with difficulty accessible on the unhygienic places, and replacing the agent is associated with a certain expenditure of time. Moreover, the conventional toilet hang-in basket causes problems due to the hanger-shaped holder if one wishes to clean the toilet bowl edge by hand where the holder is attached.
Another disadvantage with the toilet hang-in basket is that, during cleaning with the toilet bowl brush, it can, for example, be easily displaced and then must be put on the desired place again by using one""s hands, which is unhygienic. Also disadvantageous about the hang-in basket is that in some cases it can be considered a toy by children and can be removed from the edge of the bowl. Usually a single toilet hang-in basket is used on a sanitary object so thatch the effect of the sanitary agent is locally limited and the amount is limited by the maximum filling capacity of the hang-in basket and/or the size of the sanitary agent to be used.
Such sanitary agents that are used in appropriate hanging devices are known in the form of solid blocks and recently also in gel form. Such gel-shaped sanitary agents can be filled according to need and not only when the entire sanitary agent is completely used up. Of course, with these gel-shaped sanitary agents, which, for instance, are described in DE 197 15 872, it is also necessary to refill them in the hanging device, which is considered by consumers to be unhygienic.
Moreover, sanitary agents are known and freely available on the market that are usually applied to the toilet bowl in liquid form from bottles from time to time-to then be flushed away immediately during the next flushing action. Accordingly a new application of the sanitary agent is necessary for each cleaning and/or disinfection action, which on the one hand is connected with a corresponding expenditure of time and on the other hand leads to a quick consumption of the sanitary agent with corresponding frequent cleaning, especially with daily cleaning. The cleanliness to be obtained with the liquid cleaners is also not lasting, and not everyone immediately takes a sanitary agent in the hand when the toilet gets dirty, whether in the private or public arena. In DE 195 25 604, which concerns a liquid, acidic cleaning agent for the removal of calcium, it is suggested that a thickener be mixed in with the acidic cleaning agent to increase the viscosity and thus improve the removal of calciumxe2x80x94especially on vertical surfaces. Of course, this publication teaches us that the viscosity of a liquid cleaning agent cannot be increased at one""s desire because when it is, the removal of calcium build-ups and the necessary distribution of the cleaner cannot be attained anymore.
Difficulties with a hygienic and time-saving cleaning agent also occur with urinals. They are usually cleaned with a liquid cleaning agent, which is nonetheless immediately flushed away so that the cleaning flushing and the odor of freshness and cleanliness do not last. The urinals must therefore be cleaned continually.
The xe2x80x9chang-in basket solution,xe2x80x9d which is felt to be unhygienic by consumers due to the necessary replacement of the agent and which nonetheless guarantees a longer lasting cleaning and release of deodorant, cannot be realized in urinals in most cases due to the shape of the urinal and the lack of a suitable hanging edge. To obtain a longer lasting cleaning of the urinal and release of a deodorant one is aided by the use of xe2x80x9ctoilet stones,xe2x80x9d which are thrown in the toilet bowl or discharge water. They are, however, partly flushed away by the flush stream and also lead to undesired sprays. In some cases garbage such as cigarette butts are also thrown into the urinals so that cleaning personnel must sort out the xe2x80x9ctoilet stonesxe2x80x9d from the garbage in the urinal bowl when the xe2x80x9ctoilet stonesxe2x80x9d are not flushed away together with the trash.
Starting with this prior art, the problem that the invention seeks to solve is to make a sanitary agent available that obtains a long-lasting cleaning and/or deodorant-releasing and/or disinfecting effect and that can be applied in a simple and hygienic manner.
A problem of this sort is solved by a sanitary agent with the properties of claim 1.
Amazingly, it was determined that it is possible to produce a sanitary agent that can be put directly on the surface of the sanitary object to be cleaned and that adheres there so that the known holders for the sanitary agents that are felt to be unhygienic can be abandoned; this was achieved by using an adhesion promoter, namely long or long-chained organic molecules with at least one hydrophilic residual together with water in the sanitary agent.
Through the interaction between the hydrophylic part of the adhesion-promoting molecule and water especially the surface of the agent becomes xe2x80x9csticky,xe2x80x9d which makes an application directly onto the surface of the sanitary object possible. The application can take place with any suitable device such as a spray, tube, cartridge, spray nozzle, etc. The consumer only activates the applicator; contact with a possibly dirtied toilet hang-in basket is avoided.
The agent according to the invention can thus be applied and renewed in a hygienic way without touching the possibly dirtied facilities associated with the toilet bowl.
A considerable advantage of the agent according to the invention consists in the fact that it can be apportioned according to the desires of the consumer. If the consumer wants an intensive release of deodorant or if the toilet is used frequently, the consumer can use correspondingly larger amounts.
The agent according to the invention can also be applied in a simple way on different places of the sanitary object at the same time, for instance, to obtain a consistent cleaning effect both on the right and left side of a toilet bowl.
The agent according to the invention can also be applied in various compositions on various places on a sanitary object. This makes possible, for instance, that two incompatible components, for example, a halogen-releasing agent and an oxidation-sensitive fragrance, can be used by separating them locally for a common cleaning and/or deodorizing of the toilet.
The agent can be xe2x80x9cstickyxe2x80x9d either through a certain water content already in the formulation to be applied or the adhesion can be obtained by a light dampening of the surfacexe2x80x94for example, by activating the flush waterxe2x80x94and then applying the agent.
The adhesion obtained is so good on the sanitary object even with an application on a vertical surface that the agent does not become detached with the additional action of the streams of rinse water.
As a result of the adhesion promoter""s hydrophilic part, the adhesion promoter detaches together with the residual sanitary agent little by little so that no undesired xe2x80x9csticky placesxe2x80x9d remain on the sanitary object, as is the case, for instance, with a simple xe2x80x9ctapingxe2x80x9d of the sanitary agent with the double-sided adhesive tape.
The adhesion promoter nonetheless causes not only the adhesive bond with water, but usually also forms network-like structures that give the agent the necessary dimensional stability, even when under the strong action of rinse water.
It is assumed that through the network-like structure, which forms the adhesion-promoting molecules, that a decrease in the detachment speed of the agents is created so that the agent is washed away from the sanitary object only after a large number of rinsing actions. In this way the agent displays a high durability, namely without the necessity of the known release devices in the form of toilet hang-in baskets or holders for the water tank and without the reluctant, time-consuming replacement of the agent. Due to the extended durability and the high number of rinsing actions that go along with it, a new application is only needed in large time periods, which again saves time.
The molecules of the adhesion promoter are long or long-chained, for the most part linear, molecules that are at least in part hydrophilic and thus include at least a hydrophilic residual or a hydrophilic group so that the interaction with the water molecules takes place to form xe2x80x9csticky places.xe2x80x9d Preferably there should be unbranched molecules with these adhesion promoters to make possible the formation of the desired network.
The adhesion promoter can either be totally hydrophilic or partly hydrophilic, partly hydrophobic.
As a pure adhesion hydrophilic promoter one can use, for example, polyethelene glycol, polywax, cellulose, especially sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, agar agar, gellan gum, acacia gum, carob bean flour, or guar gum or starch. Polysaccharides can already form networks with the necessary solidity and a sufficient stickiness in concentrations under 10 percentage by weight, under 5 percentage by weight, and in part between 1 and 2 percentage by weight.
The adhesion-promoting molecules can be synthetic or natural polymers, for instance, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, polyvinyl alcohols, or polyvinyl pyrrolidones.
It is similarly possible to use alginates, diurethanes, gelatines, pectines, oleyl amines, alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, or alkyl ether sulfates.
Organic molecules with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic end can also be used as adhesion promoters. As hydrophilic residuals, for instance, polyalkoxy groups, preferably polyethoxy, polypropoxy, or polybutyoxy or mixed polyalkoxy groups such as, for example, poly(ethoxypropoxy) groups can be used. Especially preferred for use as a hydrophilic end, for example, is a polyethoxy residual consisting of between 15 and 55 ethoxy groups, preferably between 25 and 45 and especially preferred 35+/xe2x88x925 ethoxy groups.
Anionic groups, for instance sulfonates, carbonates, or sulfates, can be used as hydrophilic ends.
Also stearates, especially sodium or potassium stearate, are suitable as adhesion promoters.
If the adhesion-promoting molecules also have a hydrophobic end, especially straight-chained alkyl residuals are suitable for the hydrophobic residual, whereby especially even-numbered alkyl residuals are especially preferred because of the better biological degradability. To obtain the desired network formation of the adhesion-promoting molecules, the molecules should be unbranched.
If alkyl residuals are chosen as hydrophobic residuals, the alkyl residuals with at least twelve carbon atoms are preferred. Especially good results were obtained with an alkyl chain length between 16 and 30 carbon atoms, especially 20 and 22 carbon atoms.
Preferred adhesion promoters are polyalkoxyalkanes, preferably a mixture of C20 to C22 alkyl ethoxylate with 35 EO, but also sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. With a reduction of the number of alkoxy groups the adhesion promoter becomes more lipophilic, whereby, for example, the solubility of perfume and thus the intensity of the fragrance can be raised.
Molecules that generally act like thickeners in aqueous systems, for example, hydrophilic substances, can also be used as adhesion promoters.
The concentration of the adhesion promoter to be used depends on its hydrophilicity and its power to form a network. When using polysaccharides, for example, concentrations between 1 and 2 percentage weight of the adhesion promoter can be sufficient, whereas when using polyalkoxyalkanes the concentrations can be between 10 and 40 percentage by weight, preferably between 15 and 35 percentage by weight, and especially preferred between 20 and 25 percentage by weight.
In order to produce the desired number of sticky places with the adhesion-promoting molecules through the absorption of water, the formulation should contain at least 3 percentage by weight water, preferably between 3 and 60 percentage by weight. The share of water depends, among other things, on the adhesion promoter used.
In addition to the components according to the invention, the sanitary agents can include other usual components such as perfume oil, a disinfection agent, preservatives such as isothiazolone derivatives or foam stabilizers such as coconut fatty acid amidopropyyl betaine or coconut fatty acid amidopropyl dimethyl amine oxide or coconut fatty acid mono/diethanolamide, but also colorants and/or substances that dissolve calcium or urine deposits, especially acids.
It is also possible to mix in olefin sulphates and/or acid methyl tauride as foaming agents with a self-cleaning action with the agent according to the invention.
If desired, one can also add salts such as sodium sulfate to raise the dissolving speed. The salt share can be up to 10 percentage by weight, preferably up to 5 percentage by weight.
The sanitary agents according to the invention can be rinsed away only after a large number of rinsing actions. The number of rinsing actions, of course, depends on the composition of each particular sanitary agent, the applied amount, and the geometry of the applied sanitary agent.
Fragrance and aromatic substances can be added to the agent to improve the room""s air, whereby the exclusive consideration here is to apply such fragrances and aromatic substances to a toilet bowl. The sanitary agent can be used for other sanitary objects such as urinals, public toilets, as well as for hand-washing basins and the like.
Preferably the agent according to the invention is produced in the form of salve-like, pasty, and/or creme gels that stick to the hard surfaces through adhesion amazingly well. The gels are essentially dimensionally stable so that they do not xe2x80x9crunxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cdrip.xe2x80x9d The adhesion and form of the gels remain intact despite the considerable power (friction, deformation, . . . ) caused by the water rinse. Preferably these pasty gels include approximately 10-25 percentage by weight fragrance, 1-5 percentage by weight anionic tensides, 20-30 percentage by weight nonionic tensides, part as adhesion promoters, 0.5-1 percentage by weight thickeners, and 0.1-0.5 percentage by weight preservatives, as well as 3-60 percentage by weight water.
Preferably xcex1-olefin sulfonate or methyl tauride as anionic tensides and alkyl(C20, C22)ethoxylate with 35 EO, preferably 15-25 percentage by weight as an adhesion promoter and nonionic tenside, especially 0.1-3 percentage amine oxide, especially preferred approximately 1-2 percentage by weight coconut fatty acid amidopropyl diemthyl amine oxide (35%) will be used as a foam stabilizer and thickener. Xanthan gum is used as a further adhesion promoter and isothlazolone derivatives are used as preservatives.
The gels are applied to the toilet bowl preferably through tubes, comparable to toothpaste tubes, sprays, or cartridges and adhere there during a multitude of successive rinse actions.
The viscosity of these pasty gels, determined by a Haake viscosimeter, is at least 15,000 mPas, usually at least 25,000 mPas, preferably at least 35,000 mPas, and especially preferred at least 60,000 mPas.
It is likewise possible to develop the sanitary agent as a deodorant-releasing and/or cleaning and/or disinfecting rigid gel, which preferably includes anionic tensides, adhesion promoters, amphoteric tensides, glycols and derivatives, water, perfume, and preservatives. The rigid gels are basically firm and can be stuck to the moist or dry surface by means of an application device, which preferably makes possible cutting the rigid agent at the desired length. The firm gels can be produced and applied in the form of disks, blocks, or other separable pieces. The viscosity of the rigid gels, measured with a Haake viscosimeter, should be at least 50,000 mPas, especially preferred at least 150,000 mPas.
The sanitary agents can also be thixotropic fluids or fluids that harden in some manner after being applied, whereby the viscosity of the agent should be at least 15,000 mPas after being applied.
If a further increase in durability is to be obtained, one can also add thickeners such as silicates to the sanitary agent.
In principle it is also possible to conceive of the agent basically as a pure fragrance agent that is xe2x80x9cstuckxe2x80x9d to a surface. The agent could be used, for instance, in cars, garbage cans, etc.
The agent according to the invention is usually produced through the interaction of the components with water.
In the following the sanitary agent according to the invention is illustrated in greater detail by using a working example and comparative tests.


An operational check of the safety unit or the safety circuit takes place within the delay time of the relay, assigned to each motor, caused by the pick-up delay or the release delay. Also, the control unit can be equipped such with at least one safety component and/or safety circuit for controlling the control unit that an operational check of the control unit takes place between the operation of an operating element of the hand switch and the starting of the motor or motors. The operating time and the release time of the relay may be delayed by a suitable component so that sufficient time is available for the operational check.

The invention relates to an electric-motor drive, particularly a furniture drive, having a control unit, which can be operated by a hand switch and contains a control board, as well as having a safety unit or a safety circuit.
The suitable electric-motor drive is known in many construction. The respective construction depends on the usage. Drives are known which have a driving motor and an output element as well as so-called double drives with two driving motors and two output elements. For use in the furniture field, the appropriate drives are linear drives. By way of a step-down gear, the motor drives a spindle on which a spindle nut is non-rotatably disposed which carries a lifting tube or similar component which can be connected to the component to be adjusted.
Since the drives are used in households and in the medical field as well as in the care-giving field, high safety demands are made corresponding to a standard.
According to the above-mentioned standard for electrical devices, a so-called first-fault safety is demanded. For example, if a function is not triggered for a switching-off, it must nevertheless be ensured that the switch-off operation is carried out, or that, for example, the drive cannot be switched on when faults or defects are present on electrical or electronic components. It is an object of the invention to design an electric-motor drive of the initially mentioned type such that the first-fault safety demanded by the electric appliances standard is met so that an operator or user is not in any danger when, as a result of a failure or a defect of an electric or electronic component, a required switching operation can no longer be triggered, or so that, in the event of a failure of an electric or electronic component, the electric-motor drive cannot be started.
The above-mentioned object is achieved according to a first embodiment in that an operational check of the safety unit or of the safety circuit takes place within the time caused by the slow operation or slow release of the relay assigned to each motor.
According to a second embodiment the control unit is equipped such with at least one safety component and/or safety circuit for controlling the control unit that an operational check of the control unit takes place between the operation of a operating element of a hand switch and the starting of the motor or motors. As a result of the designs according to the invention, the control unit controls itself so that a failure or a defect of electric or electronic components is immediately detected. Thus, the function can, for example, be switched off when the contacts of a relay no longer release. Thus, for example, as a result of a comparison, a release can take place to all motors when the prerequisites exist for the start. In the event of a fault report, all motors are switched off when the fault signal blocks a release switching element, preferably a transistor of the switching logic. If the function is ensured, this can take place, for example, by the lighting up of a visual display element, preferably a luminous diode in the hand switch or at an easily visible site. This visual display element should then preferably radiate as long as the operating element is pressed.
In a further development, it is provided that the control unit is equipped with several safety components or several safety circuits into which the fault signals can be fed. In this case, each safety component or safety circuit is designed for very specific fault signals. So that the user is immediately informed of a fault report, it is provided that a visual and/or an acoustic signal is generated.
The bridging time is relatively brief so that the fault report is also brief (acoustically and/or visually). The disappearance is an indication that the testing operation has been concluded. The brief fault report occurs because, after an operation of an operating element and before the pick-up of the assigned relay and the then starting motor as well as after the release of the operating element and before the opening of the assigned relay and the subsequently idle motor, a defined time interval passes, in which a fault condition has been met which. However, after the expiration of this time interval, is no longer met in the normal case. The resulting fault report, which occurs for a short time and then disappears, may be considered to be a kind of operational check.
In certain cases, this time interval may be so brief that the acoustic and visual reporting devices are too slow because of their own signal processing run times for indicating a recognizable signal. For receiving a discernable acoustic and/or visual signal, by suitable devices, an extension of the operating time and of the releasing time of the motor relay is simulated such that the reporting device emits the above-described signal for the control during a time period which is sufficient for human perception. It is therefore provided that, by a delay element, preferably the operating time of the relay assigned to each motor can be extended. However, in a further development, it is provided that the operating time and the releasing time of the relay assigned to each motor will be extended. This delay element is preferably arranged in the control, the fault signal processing or in the reporting device. However, it may also be arranged at a different location.
Other objects, aspects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 10 containing a control board is equipped with two safety components 11, 12 which may also be circuits which are provided in the control board of the control unit 10. The control unit 10 is connected with a hand switch 14 by way of a control cable 13. The transmission of the signals triggered by the hand switch 14 may also take place in a wireless manner. When one of the operating elements of the hand switch 14 is operated, the safety components are first activated preferably within the delay time of the relays assigned to the motors, in order to test the operational reliability. In the event of a fault or of several faults, the signals are fed into the inputs 11a or 12a of the safety components 11, 12, so that, for example, a starting of the motors is prevented.
As illustrated in the FIGURE, the hand switch 14 may be equipped with a visual display in the form of a luminous diode 15 which, in the event of a fault, radiates as long as the corresponding operating element of the hand switch 14 is pressed. Furthermore, a visual or acoustic display element 16 may also be installed in the control unit 10. Corresponding to the FIGURE, a visual and an acoustic display element can be used. However, it is also possible to use only one of the two display elements.
In a manner not shown in detail, a delay element may be used at an appropriate point, expediently in the control or the fault signal processing or in the reporting device in order to extend, for example, the operating time and the releasing time of the relay assigned to each motor, so that the operational check can also be carried out during this time.
The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment The analogous self-control of the control unit is the significant requirement for ensuring the first-fault safety.

Dewert Antriebs-und Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG


A security pack for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies includes a housing disguised as a bundle of currency bills but containing a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phone transceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a bank robbery, the microprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial the telephone number of a central monitoring station. The microprocessor obtains location data from the GPS receiver and transmits the location data, along with identification information, to the central monitoring station. The security pack may also include a separate, conventional RF beacon transmitter for allowing authorities to home-in on the security pack within a large building or other structure, either after the GPS signals are lost, or after the location of the security pack is localized to a specific building or area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to tracking systems for tracking the location of stolen articles, and more particularly, to disguised currency bundles for aiding law enforcement officials in apprehending thieves and recovering stolen monies.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Security packs, or xe2x80x9cdye packs,xe2x80x9d are known in the banking and security field for assisting law enforcement officers in apprehending bank robbers and recovering stolen currency. These security packs are often disguised as bundles of currency and are handed out by bank tellers to bank robbers in the course of a robbery along with genuine, indistinguishable banded bundles of currency. The disguised security packs, though having the appearance of a banded bundle of currency bills, actually contain electronics used to trigger various compounds that can aid in apprehending the bank robber, including tear gas, smoke, and a dye that stains the robber and any other currency taken during the robbery. Various United States patents describe such security packs, including U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,888 to Bernhardt; U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,529 to Bernhardt; U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,828 to Keniston; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,143 to Keniston. While each of these dye pack systems includes features that enhance the effectiveness of such security packs, these known systems do not permit law enforcement authorities to track movements of a bank robber once the robber is out of visual sight.
A currency security pack has been sold in the past under the trademark xe2x80x9cProNetxe2x80x9d which emits a radio frequency signal for tracking purposes. However, the xe2x80x9cProNetxe2x80x9d system requires that law enforcement officers use several radio receivers to triangulate on the emitted radio signal in order to determine the location of the security pack. While such a system can be helpful if the general location of the suspect is already known, law enforcement authorities often receive insufficient warning of the robbery to permit such tracking systems to be put into operation quickly enough to locate the robber.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,844 to Mansell, et al., assigned to Auto-Trac, Inc. of Dallas, Tex., discloses a vehicle tracking and security system for use in the event of a vehicle theft, vehicle breakdown, or other emergency. Mobile units installed in the vehicle include a GPS signal receiver for receiving location data, as well as a cellular telephone transmitter for transmitting location information onto a cellular telephone communications link.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,052 to Eberwine discloses a system to assist aircraft search and rescue workers to locate missing aircraft in the event of an emergency. The device includes both a GPS receiver and a radio modem transmitter. In the event of an emergency, the device transmits current time, craft ID, and position data in a data packet.
Applicant is also aware of a security system marketed under the brand name xe2x80x9cLowJackxe2x80x9d that is installed in automobiles, and which transmits some form of radio and/or telephone signal to help locate a stolen automobile; Applicant believes that U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,254 and 5,682,133, both issued to Johnson, et al., and both assigned to Mobile Security Communications, Inc. of Norcross, Ga., disclose the aforementioned tracking system used in the xe2x80x9cLowJackxe2x80x9d vehicle locating system.
All of the devices described above are fairly large in size, and are typically configured to transmit the location of a vehicle to a remote location. U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,958 to Durboraw, Ill, and assigned to Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill., discloses a somewhat smaller hand-held compass device that uses GPS signals to derive current heading information, but it does not appear that this device transmits any data to a remote location.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,922 to Mohan, and assigned to Veridian ERIM International, Inc. of Ann Arbor, Mich., purports to disclose a tracking system that includes a miniaturized module that can be hidden in small spaces, such as on the user""s person, and which can transmit data to a remote monitoring location. The disclosed unit is described as including a global positioning satellite receiver and related antenna, a communications transceiver, a controller, and a rechargeable battery, all mounted on a thin substrate. The Mohan patent specification states that the disclosed device is small enough to permit xe2x80x9cimplantation and covert operation in articles that are to be tracked (e.g., drugs, currency, artworks, etc.).xe2x80x9d However, Mohan does not disclose the concealment of such a device within a disguised bundle of currency, nor does Mohan explain how such a device could actually be incorporated within a disguised bundle of currency.
In addition, the aforementioned patent to Mohan notes that a loss of signal can occur due to structural or natural interference, as might be due to buildings or terrain, for example. This loss of signal can occur because the GPS navigational signals can no longer be received by the mobile module, and/or because the mobile module is unable to effectively transmit over the communications link to the remote monitoring location.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a security pack disguised as banded stack of currency bills that is capable of communicating its location to a remote monitoring station following a bank robbery.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a security pack that derives location coordinates from GPS navigational signals transmitted from overhead satellites.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a security pack that can transmit such location coordinates to a remote location using conventional cellular telephone communication links.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such a security pack that can be tracked locally, as within a building, once such security pack is no longer able to detect and/or transmit location data over a conventional cellular telephone communications link.
These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.
Briefly described, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention relates to a security pack disguised as a bundle of currency bills for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies, and including a housing simulating the size and weight of a bundled package of currency bills containing a miniaturized GPS receiver, a miniaturized communications link transmitter, a controller electrically coupled with the GPS receiver and the communications link transmitter, and a battery for selectively providing electrical power to the aforementioned components. The GPS receiver receives GPS signals from overhead satellites and creates location data corresponding to the current location of the security pack. The communications link transmitter, which is preferably a cellular telephone transmitter, establishes a communications link with a remote location, such as a central monitoring station. The controller, which may be a microprocessor, selectively causes the communications link transmitter to communicate with the remote location, and to transmit thereto the location data created by the GPS receiver for indicating the current location of the security pack.
Preferably, the security pack further includes a radio frequency transmitter disposed within the housing for selectively transmitting a radio frequency beacon, or homing, signal, different from the radio signal transmitted by the communications link transmitter. The radio frequency beacon signal allows for localized conventional radio receivers to detect such beacon signal if the GPS signals are lost, or if the general location of the security pack has been narrowed down to a particular building, for example. In such instances, the controller can deactivate the communications link transmitter can be deactivated, and activate the beacon transmitter.
In order to distinguish one such security pack from another, each such security pack is assigned a unique identification code, and the controller causes the communications link transmitter to transmit the identification code in addition to the aforementioned location data.
To prevent unnecessary battery drain, the security pack includes a power switch for uncoupling the battery until the security pack is handed to a robber. Such a power switch might, for example, take the form of a reed switch responsive to a magnetic field of a keeper plate within a bank teller drawer. In this case, the magnetic field of the keeper plate keeps the reed switch open. If desired, the security pack can also incorporate a battery sensor and an audible generator; the battery sensor causes the audible generator to emit warning sounds if the battery has insufficient power remaining to successfully operate the other electrical components of the security pack.
While the communications link transmitter can remain on continuously once triggered, it is also possible for the controller to establish a communications link with the remote location on a periodic basis after such security pack is handed to a robber for transmitting updated location data at periodic intervals.
Ideally, the communications link between the security pack and the remote location can be a two-way link, in which case the security pack includes a communications link receiver for receiving signals transmitted from the remote location over the communications link. In this instance, the controller is responsive to signals received by the communications link receiver from the remote location for modifying the operation of said security pack. For example, in response to signals received by the communications link receiver from the remote location, the controller can deactivate the communications link transmitter, and activate the radio frequency beacon transmitter.

Tracking system for locating stolen currency


A rotary vane pump has an open ended pump cylinder mounting a drive motor at one end and a ported end plate and sound chamber at the other end. The cylinder contains a rotor mounted to an eccentric drive shaft and having vane grooves receiving slidable vanes contacting an inner diameter of the cylinder. The end plate has an outlet port and primary and secondary inlet ports in communication with the cylinder interior, the inlet ports being in communication with an area of net expansion. The sound chamber has an intake port and an exhaust port in communication with the respective outlet and primary and secondary inlet ports of the end plate. The sound chamber is partitioned to define a number of internal cavities through which the incoming air is routed to the secondary inlet port.

Not applicable.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to pumps and in particular to sliding or rotary vane pressure or vacuum pumps.
2. Description of the Related Art
Rotary vane pumps, sometimes referred to as sliding vane pumps, are well known. Conventional rotary vane pumps include a drive motor with a rotatable shaft that mounts a rotor eccentrically inside of a cylindrical housing. The rotor has a number of slots (for example four or more) opening at its circumference and extending into the rotor radially or at a non-intersecting angle to the shaft. Each slot holds a straight blade-like vane having a leading edge that contacts the cylinder wall. The vanes are biased against the cylinder wall by centrifugal force to create a sliding seal. The vanes slide in and out in each slot as the rotor is turned by contact with the cylinder wall because the rotor is eccentrically mounted in the cylinder. Rotation of the rotor pulls air from an inlet port in the housing through the cylinder and out an outlet port. Because the rotor is eccentrically mounted, air chambers defined between consecutive vanes will vary in size as the rotor is turned. This creates areas of expansion or compression within the cylinder, the inlet being in communication with an area of net expansion and the outlet port being in communication with an area of net compression.
Some rotary vane pumps include three (or more) ports communicating with the interior of the pump cylinder. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,639,855 discloses a rotary pump having three ports extending through the wall of the pump cylinder. The ports are described as an inlet port, an outlet and an intermediate port which is valve controlled to allow the pump to operate under various conditions. In one form, when the pump is operated with the control valve set to at least partially open the intermediate port air can enter the pump chamber through the inlet port as well as through the intermediate port. This increases the volume of air in the chambers between the vanes and thus the volume and pressure of air expelled from the pump. This technique is beneficial in that flow can be increased without changing the displacement of the pump (i.e., the diameter or length of the cylinder bore).
One problem with this early construction is that it requires separate supply lines and connections for each inlet port, thus increasing costs and making the pump less desirable for single source applications. Another problem with this construction is that it may be unsuitably noisy for certain applications given that no sound damping is provided. And, because the ports are formed separately through the exterior of the cylinder, any such sound damping components would have to be provided for each port, which again increases costs.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,544,337 and 4,580,949 disclose rotary vane pumps with two or more suction ports. Despite disclosing several embodiments in which the additional port(s) extend through the cylinder wall directly, these references also teach locating an extra inlet port in an end plate mounted to the pump cylinder so that the inlet port is internally located between the pump cylinder and an end case. At least in the construction of the U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,337 patent, this could permit a single intake port to the pump housing to feed supply air to both suction ports. However, these references also fail to provide sound dampening and thus are likely too noisy for certain applications. Moreover, these patents pertain to a specific industry (refrigeration), and in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,337 patent, the additional port is disclosed as providing a suction loss such that vane chamber pressure drops lower than supply source pressure of the refrigerant, thus retarding the flow rather than increasing it.
Accordingly, an improved rotary vane pump is needed in the art that provides increased flow characteristics with improved sound dampening.
The present invention provides a rotary vane pump having a housing with an open end and a closed end defining a pump cylinder therebetween. The closed end has a sound chamber and defines a primary inlet port, a secondary inlet port spaced from the primary inlet port and an outlet port all in communication with an interior of the cylinder, the primary and secondary inlet ports receiving air routed through the sound chamber. A drive motor is mounted to the open end of the housing and has a rotatable drive shaft eccentrically disposed in the cylinder to mount a rotor having multiple vane grooves opening at a circumference of the rotor, each groove slidably receiving a vane having a leading edge contacting an inner diameter of the cylinder.
In one preferred form, the sound chamber has a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of cavities. The partitions have passageways for communication of air from an intake port to the primary and secondary inlet ports. Air enters the secondary inlet port after passing through at least two of the plurality of cavities, one of which contains a sound filter and is located adjacent the intake port. Preferably, only this cavity feeds air to the primary inlet port.
In another preferred form, the closed end of the housing includes a separate end plate and end case. The end plate contains the outlet port and the primary and secondary inlet ports. The end case is mounted to the end plate and defines the sound chamber.
One preferred embodiment of the rotary vane pump of the present invention includes an open ended pump cylinder mounting a drive motor at one end and an end plate and sound chamber at the other end. The cylinder contains a rotor mounted to an eccentric drive shaft and having vane grooves receiving slidable vanes contacting an inner diameter of the cylinder. The end plate has an outlet port and primary and secondary inlet ports in communication with the cylinder interior. The sound chamber has an intake port and an exhaust port in communication with the respective outlet and primary and secondary inlet ports of the end plate. The sound chamber is partitioned to define a number of internal cavities through which the air must pass to reach the secondary inlet port.
The use of a third, or secondary inlet, port provides a rotary vane pump having several advantages over the prior art. The inventors have determined that the use of a separate additional inlet port, rather than simply enlarging a single inlet port, increases the flow capacity of the pump. The size and location of the secondary inlet port is varied to tune the flow of the pump. For example, moving the secondary inlet port closer to the inlet and (or alternatively) making it larger will increase flow and vice versa. The secondary inlet has also been found to improve pump efficiency and prolong life. Moreover, the secondary inlet port, particularly when internal to a sound chamber, has significant noise reduction benefits, which can be extremely important for certain applications. The sound benefits are realized in two ways. The improvements in flow volume provided by the secondary inlet port means that it is not necessary to increase the displacement of the pump (otherwise required to achieve the same flow volume), which would increase size due to the larger cylinder bore and/or length. Further sound dampening is achieved by including a secondary inlet port that is completely internal to the housing and receives air routed through a sound chamber. The pump of the present invention can have additional cost benefits in that both of the primary and secondary inlet ports can be fed air from the same supply line and coupler fitting and passed through the same inlet filter, thus eliminating the need for redundant components.
These and still other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings. What follows is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the invention the claims should be looked to as the preferred embodiment is not intended as the only embodiment within the scope of the invention.

Rotary vane pump with multiple sound dampened inlet ports


A vent assembly for a crawl space type vent opening in the foundation wall of a building has a front frame engaging the outer face of the wall around the opening, swappable venting plates for the front frame, and a rear frame engaging the inner face of the wall in the crawl space and connected under tension through the opening to the front frame. A first form of the vent can be installed axially into the vent opening from the outside of the building to replace an existing vent in a finished wall. A second form of the vent is installed vertically into the vent opening in the wall before the opening has been capped, as part of new construction.

The present invention is in the field of vents built into the foundation walls of buildings with crawl spaces and the like that need passive venting.
Houses and buildings with crawl space type spaces are typically provided with vents in the exposed foundation wall around the crawl space to prevent moisture build-up and damage. These crawl space or xe2x80x9cfoundationxe2x80x9d vents are cemented or otherwise permanently secured in openings left in the block or cement wall at the time of construction, the openings in the wall providing for a flow of air to and from the crawl space. The vents typically have a grille and/or screen or mesh face to keep rodents and insects out and often have closeable louvers or dampers to seasonally adjust airflow in colder climates.
Theoretically, the closeable-type vents are left open in warmer weather to keep the crawl space vented and dry, and in colder climates closed for the fall/winter to keep the crawl space (and the floor of the house) warm. However, the adjustment mechanisms in these vents are often relatively complex and prone to damage or failure through abuse such as being painted over, banged with lawn equipment, and exposed to the elements. The vents can accordingly become difficult to adjust properly and can even get stuck in one position. Over time the damage and wear accumulate, making the original unattractive and ripe for replacement. However, calling a contractor in for the relatively minor but time-consuming task of replacing one or more original, cemented-in vents can be inordinately expensive.
Since the vents are cemented or otherwise permanently secured in the foundation wall around the perimeter of the crawl space (often a considerable distance from the crawl space access in the house or building), it can be a cold, dirty crawl to try to repair, close, seal, and sometimes even insulate the vents from the inside. Accordingly, one can often see plastic sheeting, insulation boards and hay bales mounted and piled at unsightly intervals around the foundations of houses with crawl spaces in colder climates as homeowners try to slow down the wasteful, expensive, and uncomfortable heat loss from their homes via the crawl space vents, and to reduce the corresponding potential for frozen pipes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,514 attempts to partially solve the problem with a cut-to-size, snap-on, insulated cover, with snap-fittings secured to the foundation wall around the cemented-in vent to receive the insulated cover.
Another disadvantage of conventional closeable crawl space vents is the relatively limited ventilation area they offer for a given size when maximum venting is desired, since the louvers and associated support and adjustment structure reduce the net venting area of the screen or mesh and obstruct airflow.
The present invention is a crawl space vent assembly that can be opened in warmer weather for nearly unrestricted venting, partially restricted for reduced venting in cooler weather, or even sealed tightly and/or insulated in the coldest weather or where pipes run near a vent opening, all from the outside of the house. In a first and preferred embodiment the vent assembly is designed to be retrofit to an existing crawl space vent opening after removing the original conventional vent. The retrofit embodiment also lends itself to drop-in installation for new construction. The vent is damage-resistant and easily adjusted and repaired.
In a second embodiment the vent is specifically designed for drop-in installation in a new foundation wall during construction.
In general, the vent assembly has a front frame adapted to engage the face of the foundation wall around the front of the vent opening; a set of swappable venting plates easily installed on and removed from the front frame member from the exterior of the house for different levels of venting; a screen associated with the venting plates; and a rear frame connectable to the front frame through the opening under tension to secure the vent assembly solidly to the front and rear faces of the foundation wall. The rear frame preferably includes a cross-member spanning the opening, able to retain an optional volume of insulation added to the vent through the front frame, minimizing airflow obstruction when insulation is not present, and providing an aligned-with-the-opening handgrip for an installer working from the outside to position the rear frame relative to the tension member(s) in the crawl space. If more than one cross-member is used, space is provided between the members for an outside installer to insert a hand through the rear frame.
In the preferred form the front and rear frames are adjustably connected to one another to be pre-positioned in the opening and then tensioned against the outside and inside faces of the wall around the vent opening. The adjustable frames can be made sufficiently adjustable to accommodate variations in wall thickness.
In the preferred, retrofit embodiment of the invention, the vent assembly has a collapsible rear frame designed to be inserted through the pre-positioned front frame and vent opening from the outside and opened up inside to engage one or more adjustable tension members extending from the front frame. The rear frame is then tensioned against the wall using the tension members connected to the front frame. In a most preferred form of this embodiment, the rear frame is a pair of pivoting members, sized to be inserted through the wall opening when folded and then opened to span the opening and engage the inside wall around the opening. The assembly is sufficiently rigid on its own that it can even be installed in drop-in fashion in new construction.
The second, drop-in embodiment of the vent is specifically designed for original installation in a new foundation wall, and includes an intermediate boxlike body connecting the front and rear frames. In a preferred version the body is adjustable to tension the front and rear frames against the inner and outer faces of the wall around the opening, and optionally to accommodate different wall thicknesses.
In a first form, the front frame receives the venting plate in axial, stack-on fashion. In a preferred form the front frame includes a venting plate receiver panel with an interlocking insertion fit that lends itself to aligning and holding the receiver in place for hands-free final securing. The receiver panel is easily removed from the front frame for repair, maintenance and/or replacement of interior components and venting plates. The preferred form of the receiver panel tilts open for a smooth release from the front frame, and includes a lateral slot for slidably receiving a venting plate from one end. The receiver panel also preferably includes a second lateral slot for slidably receiving a removable and replaceable screen member. The receiver panel supports and protects the venting plate and especially the screen from damage, but in the event they are damaged, they are each easily replaced.
Another feature of the invention is found in the venting plate vent openings, which are intended to overlie the screen and which have successively smaller, coaxial openings from plate to plate.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon further reading of the specification in light of the accompanying drawings.


The invention concerns a composition for a softening lotion which is liquid at a temperature of at least 5xc2x0 C. and which is meant to be used in treating an absorbent paper product. In the invention, this composition comprises: (a) from 1 to 10% by wt. of a component essentially containing a quaternary ammonium compound; (b) from 5 to 99% by wt. of an aqueous emollient component which contains, as active substances: (i) one or more saturated linear fatty alcohols having at least 16 carbon atoms, (ii) one or more waxy esters having a total of at least 24 carbon atoms and, where called for, (iii) one or more nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers; and (c) a balance to 100% by wt. of the required amount of a solvent of the type polyol, mineral oil or their mixtures. The invention relates to the manufacture of absorbent paper products.

The invention concerns overall a novel composition for a softening lotion used in treating an absorbent paper product, such as a sheet of wadding cotton or tissue paper. This lotion is applied or impregnated onto at least one surface of the paper product and imparts a soft, slippery feel to the paper while being dry, i.e, without being greasy or oily. The invention also relates to the absorbent paper products wherein at least one surface is impregnated with such a lotion.
The invention is applicable to the manufacture of paper products such as domestic or sanitary papers. Among these in particular are papers entailing direct contact with the skin and repeated rubbing against the skin, for example disposable paper handkerchiefs, toilet paper or any other paper products for wiping the skin, for removing make-up, dry linen, and the like.
People afflicted with colds, influenza or various allergies causing nasal flow will wipe their noses frequently. Oftentimes such people""s noses are irritated and red because of skin hypersensitization from this nasal flow. For practical reasons such people use conventional paper handkerchiefs available commercially in the form of boxed handkerchiefs, also called xe2x80x9cfacialxe2x80x9d tissue, or folded handkerchiefs in small cases. Following several sequential nose wipings with these handkerchiefs, the skin at and around the nose becomes increasingly irritated, even inflamed and painful. Consequently, the surface of these handkerchiefs must be softened in order to limit, even suppress, any irritation caused by rubbing the handkerchief surface against the skin. Ideally the feeling should be the softness offered by a cloth handkerchief that has just been washed and pressed.
In another field, namely that of toilet paper, the same softness is required for repeated contacts with the skin taking place with simultaneous rubbing. In particular as concerns persons suffering from skin irritation in the anal region or in the case of hemorrhoids, a toilet paper with a somewhat rough feel will only further irritate the skin when this paper is pressed against this skin.
Accordingly, endeavors have been underway to generally soften the paper sheets or products such as the tissue paper webs using a variety of mechanical or chemical means.
As regards the mechanical means, techniques have been developed to improve in particular the appearance and the surface condition of the paper sheet by endowing it with a more slippery feel. In the case of handkerchiefs, illustratively, the sheet is calendered to flatten the crests formed when creping the sheet. Also the sheet surface may be frictionally treated in order to eliminate all roughnesses. However, these approaches often are insufficient. European Patent No. 0 029 269 describes a particular manufacturing procedure for such a sheet wherein the nature of the suspensions of fibers forming the various sheet layers as well as the combination of these layers among each other are significant factors for the desired velvety feel. However, this procedure limits the selection of appropriate fibers and entails constraints in the first stages of the wet process phase.
The expression xe2x80x9cchemical meansxe2x80x9d covers any softening composition based on one or several chemical compounds. A distinction may be made between two categories of softening compositions. On one hand, the softening additives or compositions which are directly incorporated into the manufacturing pulp or composition or else are applied to a wet web of paper. And on the other hand, the softening compositions or lotions which are applied to the surface of a product or a sheet of paper in the dry state, i.e., where previous drying took place.
In the first case, these additives as a rule are used as fiber debonding agents and thereby the sheet so made is allowed to flexibilize. Many patents have been filed in this field, illustratively, EP-A-0 049 924; EP-B-0 347 176; U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,944,931; 5,415,737 and International Application No. WO 95/10661.
EP-A-0 049 924 discloses the incorporation of a quaternary ammonium compound and at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the fatty acid and the fatty alcohol ethylene oxide derivatives into the manufacturing composition in order to achieve a soft absorbent paper. The object of EP-B-0 347 176 is a tissue paper comprising at least one non-cationic surfactant applied to a wet web of paper. However, the surfactant can migrate into the sheet inside and wholly-clad the fibers, thereby debonding them and decreasing tensile strength. U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,931 discloses a process for improving the softness of toilet paper and its feel consisting in adding a stable aqueous emulsion containing from 1 to 90 wt. % lanolin and from 10 to 99 wt. % of a cationic emulsifier, such as quaternary ammonium salts, to the manufacturing composition. U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,737 concerns a finished soft paper product comprising a vegetal oil-based quaternary ammonium ester compound which is also added to the manufacturing composition. International Application No. WO 95/10661 discloses a manufacturing process for a soft paper with improved feel consisting in added fatty acid ester salts of quaternary amine triethanol as softeners in the fiber aqueous suspensions. However, on the whole as regards these patents, the product or web surface does not offer the desired slippery feature. It is only the product or the web as a whole which is more soft. Moreover, the losses of softening composition during the sheet manufacturing process are more than trivial.
In the same vein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,767 describes more specifically a softening composition comprising a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a polyhydroxy compound. This composition is prepared by mixing in a first stage these two compounds at a high temperature at which they are miscible, then in diluting the mixture in high temperature water in order to form an aqueous dispersion of vesicles (or micelles). This composition is preferably incorporated into the manufacturing composition and might be applied to the surface of the formed web, when wet, before drying. It is felt in this patent that the vesicles break up at the time of drying. Most of the polyhydroxy compound so xe2x80x9creleasedxe2x80x9d penetrates into the interior of the cellulose fibers and improves the fiber flexibility, while the other part is retained at the fiber surface and increases the absorbency rate of fibers. Because of the ionic bonds, the quaternary ammonium compound remains at the surface of the cellulose fibers and thereby the product softness and feel can be improved. This patent does not mention a slippery feel in spite of improved softness. This type of compound addresses an increase in fiber flexibility and it acts substantially within the internal sheet structure, not directly and mainly at the sheet surface. Variations of this composition are described in other patent documents such as International Application Nos. WO 94/29,520 and WO 94/29,521.
In the second case, the softening compositions are meant to be applied directly to the product surface or to the absorbent paper sheet surface that was previously dried. Their main function is as a skin emollient.
Many patents illustrate this kind of lotion.
Illustratively, with respect to toilet paper or paper towels used in proctology, U.S. Pat. No. 3,264,188 and also French Patent No. 2,376,650 describe lotions providing a fatty feel. The latter patent describes a skin wiping paper product treated with a lipophilic and cleaning emollient, the composition being substantially non-polar and non-aqueous. This emollient can be a mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, derivatives of glycerides, lanolin, polysiloxanes, and the like. The emollient settles on the skin surface where it forms a thin film. It allows cleaning the skin by removing soil. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243 has as its object a two ply sheet. An emollient which provides a fatty feel is spread over a large part of the sheet surface. However, the emollient is not applied in a zone where the plies are combined by embossing.
Silicone oils, such as polysiloxanes, can be applied to a tissue paper web in the manner disclosed in European Patent Nos. 0 347 153 and 0 595 994 and in European Patent Application No. 0 656 971. However, some silicone oils are hydrophobic and lower the wettability at the surface of the paper so treated.
The object of U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,392 is a sheet of paper having an emollient applied to its surface by displacing the sheet over a comparatively solid block of an emollient composition similar to wax. This composition comprises a lubricating and softening portion such as zinc stearate; aluminum-, sodium-, calcium- or magnesium-stearate; stearic acid; esters of palmitic or spermacetic acid; stearic alcohol; and where called for additionally esters of stearic and lauric acid polyethylene glycol as effective lubricants. Compounds such as oleic acid, mineral oil, tallow glyceride, distearyl methylamine, primary and secondary fatty amines and derivatives of lanolin allowing the composition to assume a plastic shape can also be added. In order to reduce the migration of the compounds inside the sheet, agents can also be provided that contain an active group affixing itself on the cellulose fibers, these agents being cationic. Because this kind of composition is in a fairly solid state, it can be used only at lower speeds and the applied quantities will not be optimized by such techniques.
There are other patents which also relate to lotions which at ambient temperature are solid or semi-solid. U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,807 describes an emollient composition in the form of a non-adhesive and non-oily solid. This composition is heated or admixed with non-aqueous solvents of the type such as acetone, chloroform, trichloroethylene, xylene, xylol and other aromatic solvents in order to be impregnated in liquid form onto a substrate, for example, made of paper. Accordingly, this composition requires for application either heating means or solvents which for the most part for toxicologic reasons cannot be used. The main components of this composition are an oil phase containing an oil material such as mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, vegetal oil and different animal oils, and possibly emollients such as cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerin, triethylene glycol, waxes, and an emulsifier. This kind of lotion is significant because when moisture makes contact with the skin, this composition forms an oil emulsion in water to act as an emollient.
A more recent International Patent Application, namely WO 95/16824, furthermore suggests an anhydrous lotion which is solid or semi-solid at 20xc2x0 C. but which entails constraints regarding its application to the sheet. This procedure assumes heating means and all the entailing problems both with respect to the material selected for impregnation and the liquid and stable state of the lotion which in this procedure must remain at a fairly constant temperature.
Some emollients, such as lanolin, incur drawbacks linked to their odor or to the fact they decrease the sheet absorption. European Patent No. 0 365 726 attempts to remedy these problems by proposing lotions with a single water-soluble component, namely lauroampho-glycinate, quaternary ammonium homo- or co-polymeric derivatives, a triquaternary phospholipidic complex or a glutamate glucose complex.
French Patent No. 2,538,238 describes a process in which a substrate, for example, a strip of paper from which paper towels will be made, passes through a lotion dissolved in an organic solvent and then this solvent is made to evaporate. The substrate furthermore can be impregnated practically up to saturation with an aqueous emulsion of which the ingredients are absorbed by the substrate and then dried to completely eliminate the water from the emulsion. The lotion contains a surfactant compound and a fatty body. The two above mentioned procedures entail subsequent evaporation or drying stages that preferably are avoided when manufacturing tissue paper webs.
Once applied, some lotions will alter the physical and mechanical properties of such sheets of paper, for example absorbency, tensile strength both in the direction of advance and in the transverse direction, and the like. It is especially important with respect to a lotion-impregnated sheet to retain strength properties as good as found in the same sheet if no lotion had been applied to it.
The object of the present invention is to palliate the set of drawbacks met with when using lotions applied to an absorbent paper product both when applying the lotion to a product surface and when the product is used in various ways of wiping the skin.
The object of the invention is to provide a composition for a lotion that provides an especially soft and slippery feel to the paper, thereby limiting the irritation following rubbing the paper against the skin. Other objects of the invention are to provide a composition imparting to the paper a more velvety feel and greater flexibility. Moreover, this feel remains dry, contrary to the case of some lotions which once impregnated onto a paper product leave behind a fatty feel because a film of fat is deposited on the skin or on spectacles occasionally wiped with this kind of product, handkerchief or facial tissue.
The object of the invention is to provide a lotion composition which is liquid at a temperature of at least 5xc2x0 C. Preferably, the composition is liquid at a temperature from about 10 to about 40xc2x0 C. thereby eliminating any difficulty in applying lotions which are solid or semi-solid at ambient temperature and, in general, requiring heating for application to the surface of a product or a sheet.
Another object of the invention is to apply a lotion in small amounts to the surface of paper products.
Another object of the invention is to provide a paper product of which at least one surface has been impregnated with such a lotion, and all consequential paper products.
The physical and mechanical properties of the absorbent paper product thus treated are not significantly modified both as regards its thickness and its absorbency and its tensile strengthen the direction of advance or in the transverse direction. A product treated with the lotion can be advantageously embossed without thereby incurring any problem.
In the following description, the expression xe2x80x9cabsorbent paper productxe2x80x9d means a sheet substantially containing paper fibers and meant for the manufacture of paper products for domestic and sanitary uses or the finished absorbent paper as such. This sheet of paper may be a tissue paper web or wadded fabric, a sheet of absorbent paper of low surface specific weight for example manufactured using a through-drying procedure, a sheet or fleece formed in the dry way and consisting of paper fibers linked by a thermoplastic binder such as a latex, or also an absorbent paper sheet constituted mostly of paper fibers and of synthetic fibers or any other equivalent paper product. The sheet can be creped or not and calendered or not. The sheet is formed by one or several plies. Other features in particular relating to the specific surface weight are elucidated in the description below.
An object of the invention is a softening lotion which is liquid at a temperature of at least 5xc2x0 C. and is suitable for treating an absorbent paper product.
In an essential feature of the invention, the composition comprises:
(a) from 1 to 10 wt. % of a component substantially containing a quaternary ammonium compound;
(b) from 5 to 99 wt. % of an aqueous emollient component containing, as the active substances:
(i) one or more linear, saturated fatty alcohols having at least 16 carbon atoms,
(ii) one or more waxy esters having at least a total of 24 carbon atoms, and where appropriate
(iii) one or more nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers; and
(c) a balance to 100 wt. % of a sufficient amount of a solvent of the type such as polyol, mineral oil or their mixtures.
In another feature of the invention, the above aqueous component is an aqueous dispersion.
In an advantageous feature of the invention, the above aqueous emollient component comprises 15 to 45 wt. % of active substances and 55 to 85 wt. % water and, preferably, 20 to 40 wt. % of active substances and 60 to 80 wt. % water.
In still another feature of the invention, the above aqueous emollient component comprises in wt. % the following active substances:
(i) 35 to 90% saturated linear fatty acids with 18 to 24 carbon atoms,
(ii) 1 to 50% of waxy esters with a total of 24 to 48 carbon atoms,
(iii) 0 to 20% nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers, and
(iv) 0 to 50% wax or mineral oil.
The total of the above quantities being about 100% by wt. of the active substances.
In a preferred feature of the invention, the composition comprises:
(a) 1 to 6 wt. % of the component containing mainly a quaternary ammonium compound,
(b) 10 to 60 wt. % of the aqueous emollient component, and
(c) a balance to 100 wt. % of the amount required as solvent.
In another preferred feature of the invention, the above quaternary ammonium compound is a salt of the following formula (I):
where R1 is an aliphatic group, preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 is an aliphatic group, preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms or an aryl group, preferably benzyl; and X is a chlorine-type halogen.
Another object of the invention is the use of a softening lotion of which the composition is defined above for treating an absorbent paper product.
In an essential feature of the invention, a quantity of about 0.30 to about 20 wt. %, referring to the dry weight of the product, of the lotion with the above defined composition is applied to the product.
In this manner, a slight emollient film is deposited and is partly fixed onto the surface of the product, whereby this product is made soft and slippery when in contact with skin.
Another object of the invention is an absorbent paper product.
In an essential feature of the invention, at least one surface of the product is impregnated with a lotion of the above defined composition.
In an another essential feature of the invention, at least one surface of the product is impregnated with a lotion and this product comprises:
paper fibers,
at least one quaternary ammonium compound,
at least one saturated linear fatty alcohol having at least 16 carbon atoms, and
at least one waxy ester having at least 24 carbon atoms.
In an advantageous feature of the invention, this product is a disposable paper handkerchief.
Other features and advantages of the invention are elucidated in the following description.
The compounds used in preparing the lotion are as follows:
The component (a) essentially contains a quaternary ammonium compound.
The quaternary ammonium compound also includes quaternary ammonium salts such as quaternary ammonium ester salts.
The quaternary ammonium salts assume the following formula (I):
where R1 is an aliphatic group preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 is an aliphatic group, preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms or an aryl group, preferably benzyl; and X is a chlorine-type halogen. One example of such a salt is a dimethyl ditallow quaternary ammonium chloride and, more specifically, the form wherein the tallow-alkyl group is hydrogenated. Illustratively, this can be the compound marketed as ARQUAD 2HT-75 by Akzo Chemie. At 25xc2x0 C., this compound is pasty. Furthermore, a quaternary ammonium salt can be used which meets the above definition and which is liquid at 25xc2x0 C. If, for a quaternary ammonium compound, the terms R1 and R2 in the above formula represent aliphatic groups having preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, then the component (a) can only contain this compound, alone or mixed with slight amounts of propanol. Also, the component (a) can contain a quaternary ammonium compound deemed essential and mixed with an ethoxylated fatty alcohol. An illustration of this-mixture includes a chloride of alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium and an ethoxylated fatty alcohol.
The quaternary ammonium ester salts have the following formula (II):
where Rxe2x80x2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;
Rxe2x80x3 is an alkyl group having 12 to 18 carbon atoms;
R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably methyl;
R4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a
group;
R5 is alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a
group;
Xxe2x88x92 is an anion such as a chlorine-type halogen or methyl sulfate.
Advantageously some of these compounds are biodegradable.
Illustratively, a salt of the above formula (II) is referred to, wherein Rxe2x80x2 is an ethylene radical, Rxe2x80x3 is a alkyl group having 16 to 18 carbon atoms of the tallow type, R3 is a methyl group, R4 is a OHxe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94CH2 group, R5 is a
group, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are defined above and Xxe2x88x92 is a methyl sulfate.
This compound also is called methyl triethanol ammonium sulfate dialkylester.
Other quaternary ammonium ester salts of formula (II) above can be prepared from fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acids.
The component (a) may contain one or more compounds, quaternary ammonium ester salts, alone or mixed with a fatty alcohol and/or a solvent of the dipropylene glycol type.
The component (a) is a cationic agent. When the lotion is applied to the product or to a sheet, then in the final lotion composition, this agent serves to affix itself by means of the positive charges of the quaternary ammonium on the fibers of the sheet, in particular on the fibers at the surface of the sheet. Thereby, the other lotion components are xe2x80x9cheld backxe2x80x9d at the surface of the sheet. The cationic compounds of the quaternary ammonium type when used in appropriate amounts also serve to flexibilize the product or sheet.
The aqueous emollient component (b) per se is of the following composition. It is noted that each of the essential constituents of the component are naturally in emollient.
The component (i) comprises one or more saturated linear fatty alcohols having at least 16 carbon atoms. In general, the component (i) is a mixture of fatty alcohols of which the largest fraction (exceeding 50% by wt.) evinces chain lengths exceeding 16 carbon atoms. Therefore, most of the fatty alcohols evince a chain length above 16 carbon atoms while a small fraction of fatty alcohols is below that number. More specifically, the component (a) is a mixture of fatty alcohols with 16 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably 18 to 24 carbon atoms. Still more preferred, these saturated linear fatty alcohols have 22 to 24 carbon atoms. Examples of fatty alcohols are cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachyl alcohol, behenic alcohol, lignoceric alcohol and ceryl alcohol. Preferably the component (i) contains behenic alcohol. The fatty alcohols are selected as natural, vegetal or animal, and as a result the aqueous emollient (b) can be biodegradable. Illustratively, the fatty alcohols are prepared from vegetal oil by transesterification, distillation, hydrogenation of the obtained esters and by fractionating crude fatty alcohols in the runoff mode. These fatty alcohols are qualified as industrial.
The length of the carbon chain of the fatty alcohol is essential to the lotion as regards its application to the surface of the paper products. A sufficiently long chain allows this kind of molecule to remain at the surface of the paper product, for example a sheet of paper, and will not penetrate the inside of the product.
The component (ii) comprises one of more waxy esters with a total of at least 24 carbon atoms. Again, a mixture of waxy esters is involved of which the largest fraction has chain lengths larger than 24. Preferably the waxy esters contain a total of 24 to 48 carbon atoms and are saturated and linear. Even more preferred, the waxy esters have a total of at least 28 carbon atoms. Ester saturation allows limiting the odor problems relating to some ester compounds. The waxy esters can be natural or synthetic.
The waxy esters are derived from saturated linear fatty acids with 6 to 24, preferably 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more prefereably 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and of saturated linear fatty alcohols with 6 to 24, preferably 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably 12 to 22 carbon atoms.
These waxy esters therefore can be prepared from a long-chain fatty acid with a fatty alcohol of a shorter chain, or vice-versa. The chain lengths of the alcohol and the fatty acid furthermore can be identical provided that the ester has at least 24 carbon atoms. Preferably, these esters are-obtained from a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol of similar and relatively long chain lengths, that is higher than 14.
Examples of waxy esters are the esters of the lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic and behenic acids with the lauric, myristic, cetyl, stearyl, arachyl and behenic alcohols. Illustratively, they can be decyl stearate, stearyl laurate and behenyl behenilate. Preferably cetyl stearate is used.
The component (iii) comprises one or more emulsifiers which allow the formation of a dispersion of the components (i) and (ii) in water.
Preferably, the component (iii) consists of one or more nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers. These are combinations of nonionic and/or amphoteric surfactants which are distinguished by an alkylaryl, alkylene, alkyl, linear, lipophilic part and at least one hydrophilic group. This hydrophilic function can be just as well an ionic group as a nonionic group.
The nonionic emulsifiers contain hydrophilic groups, such as a polyol group, a polyalkylene glycol ether group or a combination of polyols and polyglycol ether groups.
Preferably oil-in-water (o/w) type emulsifiers are used that contain at least one of the compounds selected from a group consisting of:
(c1) linear C8-C24 alcohol derivatives, C12-C22 fatty acids, alkyl C8-C15 phenols or alkyl polyols, with 2 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide and/or 0 to 5 moles of propylene oxide,
(c2) C6 to C22 unsaturated or saturated fatty acid mono- or di-esters and ethoxylated or not sorbitol or glycerol mono- or di-esters,
(c3) C8-C22 alkyl mono- and oligo-glucoside or their ethoxylated analogues,
(c4) ricinus oil and ricinus oil hydrogenated with 15 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide,
(c5) polyols, in particular polyglycerol ester such as polyglycerol polyricinoleate or polyglycerol poly-12-hydroxystearate, and/or mixtures of these compounds.
The amphoteric emulsifiers are of the betaine type, such as the derivatives of C2 to C18 aminated acid or imidazoline derivatives.
Derivatives of the following compounds can be used as the amphoteric emulsifiers:
N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl glycinate of ammonium, for instance ammonium dimethyl glycinate of copra fatty acid;
ammonium N-acyl-aminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-glycinate;
2-alkyl-3-carboxymethyl-3-hydroxyethylimidazoline wherein the alkyl chain comprises 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and
cocoasacyl-aminoethylhydroxyethylcarboxy-methylglycinate.
In particular, the derivatives of fatty acid amides known as CFTA cocoamidopropylbetaine can be used.
Amphoteric emulsifiers derived from a C8-C18 or acyl alkyl group can be used of which the molecule contains at least one free amine group and a functional xe2x80x94COOKxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94SO3Hxe2x80x94, for example C2-C18 aminated acid derivatives such as N-alkylglycin, N-alkylaminopropionate, N-alkylsarcosinate and N-alkyliminodipropionate are preferred.
Amphoteric emulsifiers such as N-cocoalkylaminopropionates, cocacylaminopropionates and acylsarcosinates in C12-C18 are preferred.
The component (iii) is optional if a dispersion of components (i) and (iii) in water is desired to be carried out by mechanical means.
The fatty alcohols, waxy esters and emulsifiers are selected in such a manner that they will not raise odor problems in the lotion composition.
Other secondary emollient components (fatty acids and short chain esters, etc.) can be considered also, provided they do not alter the properties of the aqueous emollient component.
The aqueous emollient component (b) comprises, by wt. of active substances, 35 to 90% component (i), 1 to 50% component (ii), 0 to 20% component (iii) and 0 to 50% wax or mineral oil (iv), the sum of the components (i), (ii) (iii) and (iv) amounting to about 100%. Preferably, from 1 to 7 and especially from 1.5 to 5% by wt. of active substance of emulsifier (iii) is used.
The emollient component (b) of the lotion is aqueous in the form of a suspension or dispersion. Preferably it is in the form of a dispersion. The expression xe2x80x9cdispersionxe2x80x9d is construed broadly to mean a mixture of a liquid or solid phase in the form of globules or particles in another liquid phase serving as vehicle. The emollient component comprises 1 to 50% by wt. of active substances. More specifically, it comprises about 15 to about 45% by wt. active substances and about 55 to 85% by wt. water, and preferably about 20 to about 40% by wt. active substances and about 60 to about 80% by wt. water. Part of the water can be replaced by a mineral origin wax or oil, such as paraffin wax or oil. The concentration of the mineral-origin wax or oil (iv) in the aqueous emollient component then is about 1 to 10% by wt. of active substances. An emollient component containing only a little water is preferred for treating absorbent paper products.
Whatever the composition of the emollient component (b) defined in the above discussion, its state will be liquid at a temperature of at least 5xc2x0 C. Preferably, the emollient component is liquid at ambient temperature, that is between about 10xc2x0 C. and about 40xc2x0 C.
The aqueous emollient component is biodegradable.
The aqueous dispersion is prepared in a vat fitted with a mixer, a cooling system and a heat exchanger. The mixture so prepared moves into a homogenizer. The dispersion is chemically and physically stable. It is homogeneous. It does not separate and practically does not thicken. The dispersion is an emollient for the skin. A compound of the fatty acid alkyl ester type is known per se to evince the function of lubricating the skin and to avert evaporative losses of skin moisture so as to preclude any skin drying. A compound of fatty alcohol type is known per se to evince the function of softening and smoothing the skin surface.
More specific illustrations concerning the aqueous emollient component are listed below.
Component (c) is a solvent of the polyol, mineral oil type or their mixtures. The term xe2x80x9cpolyolxe2x80x9d herein means, for example, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol or any equivalent compound. The mineral oil is a white vaseline oil type such as the mineral oils marketed as MARCOL or PRIMOL by Esso Corp.
Where called for, other secondary additives can be added to the lotion composition. These are conventional agents for lotions, creams or any emollient products. Among these are, for example, thickeners, perfumes, vegetal extracts, menthol, eucalyptus, niaouli and also virucidal, bactericidal compounds and the like. These agents are added in appropriate quantities to the lotion.
Components with soothing or cicatrizant properties relating to skin irritations, in particular of the nose, may be incorporated into the lotion. Known examples of such components are allantoin and some vegetal extracts.
The lotion is prepared by mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) in the presence of agitation.
The lotion composition will be, when all three constituents are present, from 1 to 10% by wt. component (a) containing essentially the quaternary ammonium compound, from 5 to 99% by wt. aqueous emollient compound (b), and a balance to 100% by wt. of the required quantity of solvent (c).
Preferably, this lotion composition comprises 1 to 6% by wt. component (a), 10 to 60% by wt. aqueous emollient component (b), and a balance to 100% by wt. of the required quantity of solvent (c).
Another lotion composition can comprise the aqueous emollient (b) and a component (c) as solvent, the components (b) and (c) then being merely mixed with component (b) being dispersed in the component, i.e., solvent (c). This kind of lotion comprises 5 to 100% by wt. aqueous emollient component (b) and a sufficient quantity for 100% by wt. of the required quantity of the component (c).
Whatever the lotion composition described above, its state will be liquid at a temperature of at least 5xc2x0 C. Preferably, the composition is liquid at ambient temperature, that is approximately between 10xc2x0 C. and 40xc2x0 C., thereby allowing its direct application to an absorbent paper product using conventional means. Moreover, it is stable and homogeneous. Phase separation or decantation do not take place. Its viscosity is suitable to allow application in a conventional manner, namely spraying, coating or the like, onto the surface of the absorbent paper product. It can be prepared well before being applied to the product or sheet, and this latitude eliminates the need for preparation equipment at the industrial site where the lotion is applied to the product.
The lotion composition of the above formulation when applied to an absorbent paper product softens the surface of the product. The main effect of the lotion on one hand is to impart a soft and slippery feel to the paper while nevertheless remaining dry, and on the other hand to soften the surface of the skin in contact with this paper. In the illustrative case of paper handkerchiefs, the emollient and softening composition imparts a noticeably soft feel to the handkerchiefs and allows clear reduction of the irritation incurred by people who frequently wipe their noses using conventional handkerchiefs.
The discussion below elucidates the application of the lotion to paper products and in particular to a tissue paper web which is made suitable for the manufacture of paper handkerchiefs. The paper products can be treated or impregnated in part or in whole with the lotion.
The tissue paper web to be treated can be produced by any conventional manufacturing method of tissue paper. The pulps used are conventional. They can be chemical virgin pulps and/or they can be bleached in CTMP (chemical thermo-mechanical) manner. They can be from hardwood and/or coniferous sources, de-inked pulps, pulps from resinous sources or their mixtures. The manufacturing composition or aqueous fiber suspension illustratively comprises a mixture of 60% of chemically bleached conifer pulp and 40% of chemically bleached eucalyptus pulp. When using recycled fibers, the manufacturing composition comprises, for example, 50 to 95% by wt. of de-inked pulp.
The tissue paper web to be treated can be produced by any conventional manufacturing method for tissue paper. A humid resistant additive can be added in the wet phase of the sheet manufacture. The sheet can be creped or not. As regards handkerchiefs, the sheet can be calendered or not. Further, the sheet can be stratified or not. The laminae or layers may be of an identical or different fibrous and/or chemical composition. The sheet is composed of one or several plies, and preferably is of two or three plies.
A preferred manufacturing method for the handkerchiefs consists in making a handkerchief comprising three plies of a different nature or composition. The central ply""s composition is fibrous and comprises mostly long fibers, for example pulps based on resin fibers, preferably from pine trees and spruces. A moisture-resistant additive is incorporated into the manufacturing composition of this ply. If this additive is already present in some amount in each of the other two plies, a large quantity shall be incorporated into the central ply. Illustratively, this additive is a moisture resistant resin of the epichlorohydrine polyamide type marketed as KYMENE SLX by Hercules Corp. The two other plies are placed one on each side of the central ply and constitute the web""s surfaces. Their composition is substantially of short fibers, for example based on eucalyptus fiber-containing pulps. These plies comprise a softener or a debonder. The web so made offers very good wet strength and hence good solidity in particular on account of the central ply. This web also provides improved surface softness due to the selection of the fibrous and chemical compositions of the other two outer plies.
The specific surface weight of the sheet ranges approximately from 12 to 65 g/m2. For facial tissue corresponding to the commercial boxed handkerchiefs, the specific surface weight is about 30 to 45 g/m2 and for a handkerchief folded and conditioned in a small case, the specific surface weight is about 35 to 65 g/m2.
The lotion is applied at least to one side of the tissue paper web in its dry state and preferably on both outer sides of the sheet. This treatment can be carried out in several stages of the sheet manufacture as soon as the sheet has been dried. On a conventional paper-making machine, this treatment can take place immediately following the sheet""s drying stage on the yankee cylinder once the sheet has been creped or following the drying stage by through-drying for another manufacturing procedure. At this stage a single ply is being treated on a single side. The treatment also can take place at the re-spooling stage when several plies are combined to form the sheet. One or both external sides of the sheet are treated consecutively or simultaneously. The lotion also can be applied during the conversion phase of the sheet into a finished product, toilet paper, handkerchief, etc. In the case of handkerchief manufacture, the two sides of the sheet illustratively are treated just before the embossing stage of the edges defining a handkerchief, this stage occurring before the stage of cutting and folding the handkerchief, (an edge embossing procedure is described in French Patent No. 2,698,314), alternatively, for example, after embossing and combining the plies. The product may be embossed on only one of its sides. It may be embossed also on all or part of its surfaces. Any processing other than embossing to impart a specific pattern or appearance to the paper web also may be considered. Further, there can also be lotion treatment of the finished absorbent paper product. It has been observed with surprise that the sheet surfaces treated with and hence impregnated by the lotion no matter at what point in the manufacturing procedure or conversion of the sheet (following sheet drying) will be embossable without any difficulty. This feature is an advantage over the lotions of the prior art, in particular some lotions evincing a fat feel, that could not be applied onto paper surfaces that subsequently would be embossed and thus precluded the paper from being embossed.
The lotion is applied to the product or sheet in an amount of about 0.30 to about 20, and preferably from about 0.65 to about 15, % by wt. (weight of the aqueous composition) based on dry weight of the product (before the lotion is applied). Preferably, the lotion is applied in an amount of about 1 to about 10% by wt. of dry fibers. This amounts to applying a quantity from about 0.3 g/m2 to about 3 g/m2 to each surface of the product or sheet.
More preferably, and by optimizing the quantities of lotion used and the desired paper surface softness, less than 2% by wt. of active ingredient lotion relative to the dry product weight is applied. The end product so treated then includes less than 2% of active lotion ingredients relative to the dry weight of the absorbent paper.
In general, clearly improved surface softness is achieved in selecting for the lotion composition at least one waxy ester having at least a total of 24 to 48 carbon atoms and incorporating it in sufficient quantity into the composition to have at least 3% by wt. of active ingredients of this ester on the surface of dry weight of the absorbent paper product at the surface of the absorbent paper product.
The lotion can be applied in different ways, for example spraying or atomization, coating, flexographic printing or any other method allowing deposition of the lotion on the web surface.
Atomization or spraying is carried out using a system of conventional nozzles, wherein lotion droplets are projected onto an outer sheet surface. Atomization is further carried out by devices with air mixing or without air and at low pressure or using rotors. This is a simple application procedure and the sheet does not make contact with the application device. It has been observed that when the application is by atomization, and when treating the two outer surfaces of a sheet with three plies, the lotion will partly penetrate inside the sheet as far as the inner ply. When using this technique, quantities of about 1.5 to 3 g/m2 are applied.
Coating is carried out using a cylinder-screen onto which the lotion is deposited. The cylinder is made to contact one side of the sheet. The two sides of the sheet can be treated simultaneously using one cylinder per side. The lotion can be deposited on all or a part of the cylinder surface, for example in the form of strips. Moreover, variable quantities of lotion can be deposited on parts of the cylinder surface and consequently as such on the side of the sheet. Using such a coating procedure, it has been noted that the lotion does not penetrate the inside of a three-ply sheet as far as the inner ply and does remain well localized on the sheet surface. As a result, it is possible to advantageously reduce the quantities of applied lotion of the invention on each side of the sheet. The quantities applied by the coating technique range from about 0.3 to about 2 g/m2, and preferably from about 0.5 to about 1.5 g/m2, per side. Other appropriate coating techniques also can be considered.
Tests on a prototype machine were carried out using different lotion compositions. A three-ply sheet was treated on both sides. Treatment was either by atomization from a rotor-fitted device or using a coating cylinder.
A tissue paper web comprising three plies each of 18 g/m2 was converted into cut handkerchiefs of which the edges were bonded and embossed in the manner described in French Patent No. 2,698,314.

Softening lotion composition, use thereof in paper making, and resulting paper product