METHOD FOR OPERATING A WASHING MACHINE
20260139425 ยท 2026-05-21
Inventors
- Brandon Douglas GADDIS (Cincinnati, OH, US)
- Gary Scott CHILDERS (CINCINNATI, OH, US)
- Lisa Grace Frentzel (Cincinnati, OH, US)
- Kristin Rhedrick Williams (West Chester, OH, US)
- Tania Edmee BERGES (Cincinnati, OH, US)
- David Joseph CARACCI (Cincinnati, OH, US)
- Richard Albert HUDDLESTON (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Cpc classification
D06F2105/38
TEXTILES; PAPER
International classification
Abstract
A method for operating a washing machine with a plurality of cycles includes a step of depositing a plurality of particles into a wash drum of the washing machine. The plurality of particles include a water soluble/water dispersible carrier and encapsulated perfume. The depositing occurs within a predetermined time period prior to commencement of a last cycle of the plurality of cycles. The method includes the steps of performing a wash cycle, a rinse cycle and a spin cycle. The depositing step is performed within a predetermined time period prior to commencement of the spin cycle.
Claims
1. A method for operating a washing machine with a plurality of cycles, comprising: depositing a plurality of particles into a wash drum of the washing machine, wherein the plurality of particles comprises a water soluble/water dispersible carrier and encapsulated perfume and wherein the depositing occurs within a predetermined time period prior to commencement of a last cycle of the plurality of cycles.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period is from about 3 minutes to about 30 minutes.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of adding rinse water to the wash drum, wherein the rinse water has a temperature from about 15 C. to about 30 C.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of adding rinse water to the wash drum, wherein the rinse water has a temperature of less than about 25 degrees Celsius.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of agitating contents within the wash drum during at least a portion of the predetermined time period.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the depositing step occurs during a rinse cycle of the plurality of cycles and wherein the last cycle of the plurality of cycles is a spin cycle that is after the rinse cycle.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the rinse cycle comprises a first rinse cycle and a final rinse cycle, wherein the depositing step occurs during the final rinse cycle; and wherein the spin cycle comprises a first spin cycle after the first rinse cycle and before the final rinse cycle and a final spin cycle after the final rinse cycle, wherein the final spin cycle is the last cycle of the plurality of cycles.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein, after completion of the last cycle along with drying, the contents within the wash drum have from about 12 g to about 24 g of encapsulated perfume per gram of fabric
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the depositing step comprises: dissolving the water-soluble carrier of the plurality of particles, wherein each of the plurality of particles comprises encapsulated perfume within water within the washing machine; and releasing the encapsulated perfume within the washing machine based on the dissolving step such that the released encapsulated perfume deposit on garments within the washing machine.
10. A method for operating a washing machine comprising a plurality of cycles, said method comprising: performing a wash cycle of the plurality of cycles; performing a rinse cycle of the plurality of cycles; depositing a plurality of particles within a receptacle of the washing machine, the plurality of particles comprising a water soluble/water dispersible carrier and encapsulated perfume; performing a spin cycle of the plurality of cycles, wherein the spin cycle is a last cycle of the plurality of cycles; and wherein the depositing step is performed within a predetermined time period prior to commencement of the spin cycle.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the predetermined time period is from about 3 minutes to about 30 minutes.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein: the performing the rinse cycle comprises: performing a first rinse cycle, and performing a final rinse cycle, and the performing the spin cycle comprises: performing a first spin cycle after the first rinse cycle and before the final rinse cycle, and performing a final spin cycle after the final rinse cycle, wherein the depositing step is performed within the predetermined time period prior to commencement of the final spin cycle.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the predetermined time period is about 10 minutes such that the depositing step is performed within about 10 minutes prior to commencement of the final spin cycle.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein a value of the predetermined time period is based on a value of a temperature of water used during the rinse cycle.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the value of the temperature of the water is from about 15 C. to about 30 C.; and the value of the predetermined time period is about 10 minutes.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein a duration of the rinse cycle encompasses the predetermined time period and is greater than about 5 minutes.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the depositing step comprises: dissolving the water soluble/water dispersible carrier of the plurality of particles during the rinse cycle; and releasing the encapsulated perfume within the particles based on the dissolving step such that the encapsulated perfume deposits on contents within a wash drum of the washing machine during the rinse cycle.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein within the predetermined time period prior to commencement of the spin cycle, the method comprises: transmitting, from a processor, a first signal to a water source line to cause water to enter the wash drum.
19. The method of claim 10, wherein within the predetermined time period prior to commencement of the spin cycle, the method comprises: transmitting, from the processor, a second signal to the receptacle holding the plurality of particles to cause the plurality of particles to enter the washing machine.
20. The method of claim 10, further comprising: transmitting, from the processor, a third signal to a water source line to cause water to enter the receptacle holding the plurality of particles to pre-dissolve/pre-disperse the plurality of particles; and transmitting, from the processor, a fourth signal to the receptacle to cause the pre-dissolved plurality of particles in water to enter the washing machine during the predetermined time period prior to commencement of the spin cycle, wherein: the transmitting, from the processor, the third signal further causes agitation of the plurality of particles and the water in the receptacle to pre-dissolve the plurality of particles in the water in the receptacle prior to the transmitting the fourth signal.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures, which illustrate examples according to various embodiments.
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[0024] It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction and Definitions
[0025] This disclosure is written to describe the invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art, who will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or embodiments described. The examples and embodiments are single instances of the invention which will make a much larger scope apparent to the person having ordinary skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examples and embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.
[0026] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to the person having ordinary skill in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. For example, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.
[0027] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term about, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term about generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (for example, having the same function or result). In many instances, the term about may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.
[0028] In everyday usage, indefinite articles (like a or an) precede countable nouns and noncountable nouns almost never take indefinite articles. It must be noted, therefore, that, as used in this specification and in the claims that follow, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a support includes a plurality of supports. Particularly when a single countable noun is listed as an element in a claim, this specification will generally use a phrase such as a single. For example, a single support.
[0029] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages indicating the amount of a component in a composition represent a percent by weight of the component based on the total weight of the composition. The term mol percent or mole percent generally refers to the percentage that the moles of a particular component are of the total moles that are in a mixture. The sum of the mole fractions for each component in a solution is equal to 1.
[0030] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.
[0031] In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.
[0032] As noted, the inventors of the present disclosure recognized various drawbacks of conventional methods used to deposit PMCs to the laundry during the operation of the washing machine. To improve the deposition of PMC's to the laundry in the wash, the inventors disclose herein a method of delivering particles, comprising PMC's, to the wash after the wash cycle. It is believed that many of the PMC's, if deposited too early within the wash cycle can be removed from the laundry via agitation and subsequently drained with wash water. By providing the particles with the PMC's to the laundry after the commencement of the wash cycle, the PMC's do not endure the full wash cycle or depending on when the particles are provided to the wash drum, the full rinse cycle.
Water-Soluble Carrier
[0033] The particle of the present disclosure may comprise 25% to 99% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. While any suitable material may be utilized as the water-soluble carrier, one preferred composition comprises polyalkylene glycol.
[0034] Polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier can be materials selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, and combinations thereof. For example, the water-soluble carrier can be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG has a relatively low cost, may be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes free perfume diffusion, and dissolves well in water. The term polyethylene glycol or PEG as used herein includes homopolymers containing repeating units of ethylene oxide, random copolymers containing repeating units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymers containing blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, and combinations thereof.
[0035] The particles can comprise about 25% to about 99% by weight of the particles of PEG. Optionally, the particles can comprise from about 35% to about 99%, optionally from about 40% to about 99%, optionally from about 50% to about 99%, optionally combinations thereof and any whole percentages or ranges of whole percentages within any of the aforementioned ranges, of PEG by weight of the respective particles. Preferably, the PEG present in the particles is characterized by a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 2,000 to about 20,000 Daltons, optionally from about 2000 to about 15000 Da, alternatively from about 4000 to about 20000 Da, alternatively from about 4000 to about 15000 Da, alternatively from about 4000 to about 12000 Da, alternatively from about 5000 to about 11000 Da, alternatively from about 6000 to about 10000 Da, alternatively from about 7000 to about 9000 Da, alternatively combinations thereof. Suitable PEGs include homopolymers commercially available from BASF under the tradenames of Pluriol E 8000.
[0036] While combinations of molecular weight PEG may be utilized, it is believed that PEG have a molecular weight below 4000 Da, should have a relatively low level of weight percentage use as compared to the PEG having a molecular weight above that of 4000 Da. It is believed that PEG having a molecular weight below 4000 Da, has a lower melt temperature and can introduce processing difficulties. To offset this lower melt temperature of the lower molecular weight PEG, higher molecular weight PEG may be utilized at a higher weight percentage than that of the lower molecular weight PEG. For example, the higher molecular weight PEG may be introduced at a ratio of at least about 1.1:1. It is worth noting that the lower the molecular weight of a first PEG constituent, the higher the molecular weight of the second PEG constituent may be needed in order to alleviate the processing difficulties. Or, in such configurations, a higher ratio of weight percentage of the second PEG constituent may be needed, e.g., at least about 1.3:1.
[0037] Alternatively, the polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx.sub.1POyEOx.sub.2) triblock copolymer, which preferably has an average ethylene oxide chain length of between about 2 and about 90, preferably about 3 and about 50, more preferably between about 4 and about 20 ethylene oxide units, and an average propylene oxide chain length of between 20 and 70, preferably between 30 and 60, more preferably between 45 and 55 propylene oxide units. More preferably, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx.sub.1POyEOx.sub.2) triblock copolymer has a molecular weight of from about 2000 to about 30,000 Daltons, preferably from about 3000 to about 20,000 Daltons, more preferably from about 4000 to about 15,000 Daltons.
[0038] Preferably, the copolymer comprises between 10% and 90%, preferably between 15% and 50%, most preferably between 15% and 25% by weight of the copolymer of the combined ethylene-oxide blocks. Most preferably the total ethylene oxide content is equally split over the two ethylene oxide blocks. Equally split herein means each ethylene oxide block comprising on average between 40% and 60% preferably between 45% and 55%, even more preferably between 48% and 52%, most preferably 50% of the total number of ethylene oxide units, the % of both ethylene oxide blocks adding up to 100%. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx.sub.1POyEOx.sub.2) triblock copolymer improve cleaning.
[0039] Suitable ethylene oxidepropylene oxideethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available under the Pluronic series from the BASF company, or under the Tergitol L series from the Dow Chemical Company. A particularly suitable material is Pluronic PE 9200. Other suitable materials include Pluronic F38, F68 and F108.
[0040] The polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier also included end capped polyalkylene glycol. Typically, polyalkylene glycol has two OH groups at both ends of the polymer chain, end capped means at least one or both of the OH groups are reacted and connected to end capping organic group different from the polyalkylene glycol. Preferably, the end capping organic group R connected to the OH groups of the polyalkylene glycol via an ether bond (OR) and/or ester bond (O(CO)R), where R is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group with 5 to 9 carbon atoms, a C.sub.6-C.sub.30 arylalkyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.30 alkylaryl group. More preferably, R is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl group, even more preferably a linear C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl group and even more preferably a methyl (CH.sub.3).
[0041] Examples of suitable end capped polyalkylene glycol include a polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ether of formula:
##STR00001## [0042] wherein [0043] q is based on a molar average, a number from 30 to 250. [0044] t is based on a molar average, a number from 0 to 30.
[0045] Examples of suitable end capped polyalkylene glycol include a polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol esters of formula:
##STR00002## [0046] wherein [0047] q is based on a molar average, a number from 30 to 250. [0048] t is based on a molar average, a number from 0 to 30.
[0049] Additional options for polyalkylene glycol include modified polyakylene glycol having a formula of:
##STR00003## [0050] wherein [0051] s is based on a molar average, a number from 63-68 [0052] t is based on a molar average, a number from 13 to 19, preferably 17.
[0053] Carrier compositions comprising the above formulation may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the above modified polyalkylene glycol, preferably from about 20 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, even more preferably from about 25 wt. % to about 45 wt. %, and most preferably from about 30 wt. % to about 40 wt. %.
Other Water-Soluble Carriers
[0054] The water-soluble carrier can be a material that is soluble in a wash liquor within a short period of time, for instance less than about 10 minutes.
[0055] The particle may further comprise other water-soluble carriers selected from inorganic alkali metal salt, inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, organic alkali metal salt, organic alkaline earth metal salt, carbohydrates and derivatives thereof, clay, zeolites, silica, silicates, citric acid and salts thereof, fatty alcohol, glycerol, glyceryl diester of hydrogenated tallow, water-soluble polymers, and combinations thereof.
[0056] Suitable inorganic alkali metal salts can be selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium silicate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, potassium silicate, and combinations thereof.
[0057] Suitable inorganic alkaline earth metal salts can be selected from the group consisting of magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium silicate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium silicate, and combinations thereof.
[0058] Organic salts, such as organic alkali metal salts and organic alkaline earth metal salts, contain carbon.
[0059] Suitable organic alkali metal salts can be selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium ascorbate, potassium sorbate, and combinations thereof.
[0060] Suitable organic alkali metal salts can be selected from the group consisting of calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium sorbate, and combinations thereof.
[0061] Carbohydrates may be selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.
[0062] Suitable monosaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of erythrose, ribose, arabinose, xylose, glucose, isoglucose, dextrose, galactose, mannose, erythrulose, ribulose, fructose, sorbose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, and combinations thereof.
[0063] Suitable disaccharides sugar may be selected from the group consisting of sucrose, maltose, lactose, isomaltose, trehalose, cellobiose, melibiose, gentiobiose, and combinations thereof.
[0064] Suitable oligosaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of maltotriose, raffinose, stachyose, and combinations thereof.
[0065] Preferably the sugar is selected from the group consisting of fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose, and combinations thereof. More preferably the sugar comprises or is sucrose.
[0066] Suitable polysaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of homopolysaccharides, heteropolysaccharides, and combinations thereof.
[0067] Suitable polysaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of starch, corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, modified starch, cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, glycogen, pectin, dextrin, maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, alginates, xyloglucans, xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, mannan, dextran, glucomannan, galactoglucan, xanthan, carrageenan, locust bean gum, Arabic gum, tragacanth, and combinations thereof.
[0068] Carbohydrate derivatives may be selected from the group consisting of aminosugars, deoxysugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, and combinations thereof.
[0069] Suitable sugar alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. Preferably the sugar alcohol is selected from the group consisting of mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol and combinations thereof. Sugar alcohol polyols are described in additional detail in U.S. Ser. No. 11/920,111.
[0070] The water-soluble carrier may be selected from the group consisting of clay, zeolites, silica, silicates, citric acid and salts thereof, fatty alcohol, glyceryl diester of hydrogenated tallow, and combinations thereof.
[0071] The water-soluble carrier may be a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), modified PVAs; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; PVA copolymers such as PVA/polyvinyl pyrrolidone and PVA/polyvinyl amine; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; polyglycerol esters, acrylamide; polyvinyl acetates; polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, sulfonated polyacrylates, polyaminoacids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic/acrylic acids, gelatin, and combinations thereof.
[0072] Some specific examples of suitable carrier materials can include combinations of the foregoing. For example, a carrier material may comprise a mixture of a first wt. % of polyethylene glycol; a second wt. % of sodium bicarbonate; a third wt. % of sodium acetate trihydrate. In such configurations, the first wt. % may be from about 30 to about 70, more preferably from about 40 to about 60, even more preferably from about 45 to about 58, or most preferably from about 52 to about 56.
[0073] The second wt. % may be from about 10 to about 30, more preferably from about 15 to about 25, even more preferably from about 15 to about 20. It is worth noting that where higher percentages of sodium bicarbonate are utilized, dissolution problems can occur. For example, where hard water is utilized as part of the wash process, it is believed that a portion of the sodium carbonate may react with the hard water and form calcium carbonate. As the calcium carbonate may not dissolve entirely in the wash process, pieces of calcium carbonate may appear on clothes which can give consumers a negative impression of the performance of the particle.
[0074] The third wt. % may be from about 10 to about 30, more preferably from about 15 to about 25, even more preferably from about 15 to about 20. It is worth noting that where higher percentages of sodium acetate are utilized, discoloring as well as generation of odor can occur. It is believed that the sodium acetate can degrade and form acetic acid. Unfortunately, acetic acid can cause discoloration of the particles as well as a vinegary smell for the particles. This can cause consumers to have a very negative impression of the performance of the particles, particularly where the particles are advertised to provide a great smelling fragrance to articles of laundry.
[0075] As another example, the carrier material may comprise polyethylene glycol, block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and clay, e.g. bentonite and/or other organic clay materials.
[0076] As another example, the carrier material may comprise sodium chloride, propylene glycol, and sodium starch octenylsuccinate.
[0077] As another example, the carrier material may comprise sodium acetate, dipropylene glycol, cellulose, sodium hydroxide, and sodium acrylate copolymer.
[0078] As yet another example, the carrier material may comprise a modified polyethylene glycol as described herein along with polyethylene glycol. The modified polyethylene glycol may have a higher molecular weight than the polyethylene glycol. Additionally, the modified polyethylene glycol may be present at a higher weight percentage than the polyethylene glycol.
[0079] As yet another example, the carrier material may comprise from about 45% to about 80%, preferably about 50% to about 70%, preferably about 50% to about 60%, by weight sugar alcohol polyol selected from the group consisting of or selected from or selected from at least one of erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, trehalose, lactose, tagatose, sucralose, and mixtures thereof.
Microcapsules
[0080] The microcapsules described herein comprise a core and a shell surrounding the core. The core may comprise from about 5% to about 100%, by weight of the core, of a fragrance material. The core may comprise from about 45% to about 95%, preferably from about 50% to about 80%, more preferably from about 50% to about 70%, by weight of the core, of the fragrance material.
[0081] Any suitable microcapsule may be utilized. One example includes shell material comprising resin including the reaction product of an aldehyde and an amine, suitable aldehydes include, formaldehyde. Suitable amines include melamine, urea, benzoguanamine, glycoluril, and mixtures thereof. Suitable melamines include, methylol melamine, methylated methylol melamine, imino melamine and mixtures thereof. Suitable ureas include, dimethylol urea, methylated dimethylol urea, urea-resorcinol, and mixtures thereof. Suitable materials for making may be obtained from one or more of the following companies Solutia Inc. (St Louis, Missouri U.S.A.), Cytec Industries (West Paterson, New Jersey U.S.A.), sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Missouri U.S.A.). Such microcapsules are described in additional detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,940,395.
[0082] Another example shell material includes polyacrylates. With such microcapsules, the shell that encapsulates said core, may comprise, based on total shell weight, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 70% to about 100% or even from about 80% to about 100% of a polyacrylate. In one aspect of said microcapsules, said polyacrylate may comprise a polyacrylate random copolymer, said polyacrylate random copolymer comprising, based on total polyacrylate weight: a.) from about 0.2% to about 2.0%, amine content; b.) from about 0.6% to about 6.0% carboxylic acid; or c.) from about 0.1% to about 1.0% amine content and from about 0.3% to about 3.0% carboxylic acid. Polyacrylate microcapsules are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,642.
[0083] Additionally, for the foregoing polyacrylate capsules, an improved shell wall thickness to core ratio can be utilized. In such microcapsules, the core is larger than that of the prior polyacrylate capsules allowing for more fragrance to be placed within the core of each microcapsule. Such polyacrylate microcapsules are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0120922.
[0084] Yet another example includes shell material comprising a substantially inorganic material. The inorganic shell material may comprise a first shell component and a second shell component. By substantially inorganic it is meant that the first shell component can comprise up to 10 wt %, preferably 9 wt %, preferably 8 wt %, preferably 7 wt %, preferably 6 wt %, preferably 5 wt %, preferably 4 wt %, preferably 3 wt %, preferably 2 wt % preferably 1 wt % of organic content. While the first shell component is useful to build a mechanically robust scaffold or skeleton, it can also provide low shell permeability in liquid products containing surfactants such as laundry detergents, shower-gels, cleansers, etc . . . (see Surfactants in Consumer Products, J. Falbe, Springer-Verlag). The second shell component greatly reduces the shell permeability which improves the capsule impermeability in surfactant-based matrices, as determined by the shell Permeability Test. These capsules and the shell Permeability Test are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,904,287.
[0085] Still another example of microcapsules includes a shell material comprising a bio-based material. In such microcapsules, the shell material may comprise chitosan. Such microcapsules are further described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 63/609,418 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024/0182820.
[0086] It is worth noting that combinations of the foregoing microcapsules are contemplated. In such configurations, two or more different types, e.g., differing shell compositions for the microcapsules, may be utilized.
Encapsulated Perfume
[0087] The particles can comprise about 0.1% to about 20%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 10%, alternatively about 1% to about 15%, alternatively 2% to about 10%, alternatively combinations thereof and any whole percentages within any of the aforementioned ranges, of encapsulated perfume by weight of the particles.
[0088] The fragrance material may comprise an aldehyde-based fragrance material, a ketone-based fragrance material or a combination thereof. Fragrance materials such as aldehyde- or ketone-containing perfume raw materials, are known to provide preferred benefits, such as freshness benefits. The fragrance material may comprise at least about 20%, preferably at least about 25%, more preferably at least about 40%, even more preferably at least about 50%, by weight of the fragrance material, of aldehyde-containing fragrance material, ketone-containing fragrance material, or combinations thereof.
[0089] The fragrance material may be a hydrophobic benefit agent. Such agents are compatible with the oil phases that are common in making the delivery particles of the present disclosure.
[0090] The fragrance material in the core preferably comprises one or more perfume raw materials. Fragrance is particularly suitable for encapsulation in the presently described delivery particles, as the fragrance-containing particles can provide freshness benefits across multiple touchpoints.
[0091] The fragrance may comprise one or more, optionally two or more, perfume raw materials. The term perfume raw material (or PRM) as used herein refers to compounds having a molecular weight of at least about 100 g/mol and which are useful in imparting an odor, fragrance, essence, or scent, either alone or with other PRMs. Typical PRMs comprise inter alia alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers, nitrites and alkenes, such as terpene. A listing of common PRMs can be found in various reference sources, for example, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, Vols. I and II; Steffen Arctander Allured Pub. Co. (1994) and Perfumes: Art, Science and Technology, Miller, P. M. and Lamparsky, D., Blackie Academic and Professional (1994).
[0092] The PRMs may be characterized by their boiling points (B.P.) measured at the normal pressure (760 mm Hg), and their octanol/water partition coefficient (P), which may be described in terms of log P, determined according to the test method described in Test methods section. Based on these characteristics, the PRMs may be categorized as Quadrant I, Quadrant II, Quadrant III, or Quadrant IV PRMs, as described in more detail below. A perfume having a variety of PRMs from different quadrants may be desirable, for example, to provide fragrance benefits at different touchpoints during normal usage.
[0093] PRMs having a boiling point B.P. lower than about 250 C. and a log P lower than about 3 are known as Quadrant I PRMs. Quadrant 1 PRMs are optionally limited to less than 30% of the perfume composition. PRMs having a B.P. of greater than about 250 C. and a log P of greater than about 3 are known as Quadrant IV PRMs, PRMs having a B.P. of greater than about 250 C. and a log P lower than about 3 are known as Quadrant II PRMs, PRMs having a B.P. lower than about 250 C. and a log P greater than about 3 are known as a Quadrant III PRMs. Suitable Quadrant I, II, III and IV PRMs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,923 B1.
[0094] The fragrance may comprise a mixture of at least 3, or even at least 5, or at least 7 PRMs. The fragrance may comprise at least 10 or at least 15 PRMs. A mixture of PRMs may provide more complex and desirable aroma, and/or better perfume performance or longevity, for example at a variety of touchpoints. However, it may be desirable to limit the number of PRMs in the fragrance to reduce or limit formulation complexity and/or cost.
[0095] The fragrance may comprise at least one perfume raw material that is naturally derived. Such components may be desirable for sustainability/environmental reasons. Naturally derived PRMs may include natural extracts or essences, which may contain a mixture of PRMs. Such natural extracts or essences may include orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsamic essence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar, and the like. The PRMs may be selected from the group of almond oil, ambrette, angelica seeds oil, armoise oil, basil oil grand vert, benzoin resinoid, bergamot essential oil, bergamot oil, black pepper oil, black pepper essence, black currant essence, blood orange oil, bois des landes, brandy pure jungle essence, cade, chamomille romaine he, cardamom guat extract, cardamom oil, carrot heart, caryophyllene extra, cedar, cedarleaf, cedarwood oil, cinnamon bark ceylon, cinnamon ceylan extract, beeswax, citronella, citronellal, clary sage essential oil, clove leaf oil rectified, copaiba balsam, coriander, cos cos anethol, cos cos essence coriandre russie, cucumber extract, cumin oil, cypriol heart, elemi coeur, elemi oil, english white camomile, eucalyptol, eucalyptus citriodora, eugenol, galbanum heart, ginger, grapefruit replacer, guaiacwood oil, gurjum oil, healingwood blo, helichrysum, iso eugenol, jasmine sambac, juniper berry oil, key lime, labdanum resinoid, lavandin abrialis oil, lavandin grosso, lavender essential oil, lemon cedrat, lemon oil, lemon peel verdelli, lemongrass, lemongrass oil, litsea cubeba, magnolia flower oil, mandarin oil yellow, menthol cristalise, mint piperita cascade, narcisse, neroli oil, nutmeg, orange flower water, orange oil, orange phase oil, organic rose water, osmanthus, patchouli, patchouli heart, patchouli oil, pepper black oil, peppermint, peru balsam absolute, petitgrain t'less, pimento berry oil, pink pepper, raspberry essence, rhodinol, rose, rose centifolia, sandalwood, sichuan pepper extract, styrax white, sweet orange oil, tangerine oil, vanilla, vetiver, violet leaves, violette feuilles, wormwood oil, and combinations thereof.
[0096] Other suitable examples of benefit agents which may be provide in the core of the capsules of the present disclosure include hueing dyes, enzymes, anionic surfactant, silicone wheat protein, silicones, anionic silicones, cationic polysaccharides, vinyl additional polymers, polyhydroxystearic acid, or combinations thereof.
[0097] The core of the encapsulates of the present disclosure may comprise a core modifier, such as a partitioning modifier and/or a density modifier. The core may comprise, in addition to the perfume, from greater than 0% to 80%, optionally from greater than 0% to 50%, optionally from greater than 0% to 30% based on total core weight, of a core modifier.
[0098] The partitioning modifier may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of vegetable oil, modified vegetable oil, mono-, di-, and tri-esters of C.sub.4-C.sub.24 fatty acids, isopropyl myristate, dodecanophenone, lauryl laurate, methyl behenate, methyl laurate, methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, and mixtures thereof. The partitioning modifier may preferably comprise or even consist of isopropyl myristate. The modified vegetable oil may be esterified and/or brominated. The modified vegetable oil may preferably comprise castor oil and/or soy bean oil. US Patent Application Publication 20110268802, incorporated herein by reference, describes other partitioning modifiers that may be useful in the capsules disclosed herein.
Free Perfume
[0099] As noted, the particles can further comprise neat perfume, i.e. unencapsulated. The particles may comprise about 0.1% to about 20%, alternatively about 1% to about 15%, alternatively 2% to about 10%, alternatively combinations thereof and any whole percentages within any of the aforementioned ranges, of unencapsulated perfume by weight of the particles. Perfumes are generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,680. Free perfume can be fragrance oil/perfume oil.
[0100] The particles can comprise encapsulated perfume. Encapsulated perfume can be provided as a plurality of perfume microcapsules. A perfume microcapsule can be perfume oil enclosed within a shell.
[0101] The relationship between free perfume and encapsulated perfume can require some balance. In an effort to create anti-habituating fragrances for the user, it may be beneficial to configure the free perfume with less than 50% overlap/similarity to that of the encapsulated perfume. Anti-habituating fragrances and PRM's are described in additional detail in U.S. Pat. No. 11,844,854. The less than 50% overlap can be created via the use of different PRM's in the free perfume versus the encapsulated wherein less than 50% of the PRM's in the free perfume are the same as those of the encapsulated perfume. The less than 50% overlap can be created via the use of different weight percentages of PRM's over that of the free perfume. For example, at least 50% of the PRM's of the encapsulated perfume can have a weight percentage difference over the same PRM's in the free perfume. Alternatively, combinations of weight percentages and different PRM's can be utilized to formulate anti-habituating fragrances.
System for Operating a Washing Machine
[0102]
[0103] Some components of the washing machine 100 will now be discussed. For purpose of
[0104] As further shown in
[0105] As shown in
[0106] As shown in FIG. TA, the washing machine 100 may also include a second side conduit 126 that may feed some of the water in the pump conduit 122 to a valve 132 at an inlet of a particle receptacle 136. Particle receptacle 136 may be configured to hold beads or particles, as discussed herein. In one example, the beads or particles include a water-soluble carrier that encapsulates perfume microcapsules (PMC). As further shown in FIG. TA, a valve 134 may be positioned at an outlet of the particle receptacle 136. When valve 132 is in the closed position, water that has passed from the pump conduit 122 to the side conduit 126 may not enter the particle receptacle 136. When the valve 132 is in the open position, water that has passed from the pump conduit 122 to the side conduit 126 may enter the particle receptacle 136. If the valve 134 is also in the open position, water may flow through the particle receptacle 136 and to the water drum 102, and in the process of passing through the particle receptacle 136, this water may cause the particles within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In yet another example, if the valve 132 is open but the valve 134 is closed, this may cause water from the side conduit 126 to enter the particle receptacle 136 but not enter the wash drum 102. As discussed, this example may provide various advantages, such as to fully or partially pre-dissolve the particles or beads prior to introduction to the wash drum 102. The valves 132, 134 may respectively feature a valve actuator 133, 135 that are each in signal communication with the controller 104. Upon receiving a first signal from the controller 104, the valve actuator 133 may open the valve 132 and upon receiving a second signal from the controller 104, the valve actuator 133 may close the valve 132. Upon receiving a first signal from the controller 104, the valve actuator 135 may open the valve 134 and upon receiving a second signal from the controller 104, the valve actuator 135 may close the valve 134.
[0107] Another version of the system for operating the washing machine is now discussed which differs from the system depicted in FIG. TA.
[0108] Unlike the system of FIG. TA, where water may be introduced from the pump conduit 122 to the particle receptacle 136 to cause particles within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102, the system of
[0109] Although the valves 132, 134 are depicted in FIG. TA and the trapdoor 140 is depicted in
[0110] The particles that may be positioned within the receptacle 136 are now discussed.
[0111]
[0112] A plurality of cycles of the washing machine 100, 100 will now be discussed. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the washing machine 100, 100 of
[0113] The plurality of cycles may also include one or more rinse cycles, where each rinse cycle may follow a wash cycle or a spin cycle. During each rinse cycle, water (e.g. cold and/or hot) may be moved from the pump 112 through the pump conduit 122 to the wash drum 102. In an example, the temperature of the water used during the rinse cycle may be about 15 degrees C. to about 30 degrees C., preferably from about 15 degrees C. to about 25 degrees C. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, during the rinse cycle the controller 104 may transmit one or more signals to a motor (not shown) to agitate the wash drum 102 and thus agitate the laundry 103 and the water within the wash drum 102. At the end of the rinse cycle, the pump 112 may draw the water out of the wash drum 102 and to the respective hot water drain 114 and/or cold water drain 116.
[0114] The plurality of cycles may also include one or more spin cycles, where each spin cycle may follow a rinse cycle. During the spin cycle, water is not moved from the pump 112 through the pump conduit 122 to the wash drum 102. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, during the spin cycle the controller 104 may transmit one or more signals to a motor (not shown) to agitate (e.g. spin) the wash drum 102.
[0115] Different washing machines may have different arrangements of the plurality of cycles. For example, a first type of washing machine 100, 100 (e.g. front load) may feature a wash cycle, multiple rinse cycles and multiple spin cycles.
[0116] In another example, a second type of washing machine 100, 100 (e.g. top load) may feature a single wash cycle followed by a single rinse cycle and followed by a final spin cycle.
[0117] In one example, the predetermined time period 168 may be within a range from about 3 minutes to about 30 minutes, preferably from about 3 minutes to about 20 minutes, even more preferably from about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes and even more preferably about 10 minutes.
[0118] In one example, the predetermined time period 168 may be reduced by fully or partially pre-dissolving the particles 144 in water, prior to introducing the particles 144 into the wash drum 102. By fully or partially pre-dissolving the water-soluble carrier 146 of the particles 144 prior to introducing the particles 144 into the wash drum 102, the predetermined time period 168 is reduced. In one example, as shown in FIG. TA, prior to the last rinse cycle, the controller 104 may transmit the first signal to the valve actuator 133 which may cause water to pass from the side conduit 126 into the particle receptacle 136. Since the controller 104 has not sent the first signal to the valve actuator 135 (and may transmit the second signal to the valve actuator 135 to close the valve 134), the valve 134 remains closed and thus the particles 144 remain in the receptacle 136 submerged in water. In one example, this pre-dissolution step may occur during the cycle immediately preceding the last rinse cycle (e.g. first spin cycle 160 of
[0119] In some examples, the predetermined time period 168 may be based on a value of a temperature of water used during the last rinse cycle. In an example, the temperature of the water used during the last rinse cycle may be in a range from about 15 degrees C. to about 30 degrees C., preferably from about 15 degrees C. to about 25 degrees C. In this example, the predetermined time period 168 may be about 10 minutes.
Method for Operating a Washing Machine
[0120] Flowcharts that each show one or more steps of the method will now be discussed herein.
[0121]
[0122] As shown in
[0123] In step 202, particles 144 may be deposited into the particle receptacle 136.
[0124] In step 204, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the wash cycle 156. During step 204, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to the pump 112 to cause cold and/or hot water (e.g. depending on the cycle type selected) to pass to the wash drum 102. During step 204, the controller 104 may also transmit the first signal to the valve actuator 129 to cause the valve 128 to open and thus to permit water to flow through the detergent receptacle 130 to the wash drum 102, thereby causing the detergent deposited in step 201 to enter the wash drum 102. In step 204, the controller 104 may also transmit various other signals, such as to a motor to cause agitation of the wash drum 102 and to the pump 112 to remove water from the wash drum 102 at the conclusion of the wash cycle 156.
[0125] In step 206, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the first rinse cycle 158. In step 206, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to the pump 112 to cause cold water to pass to the wash drum 102 and may further transmit a signal to the motor (not shown) to cause agitation of the water in the wash drum 102 during the rinse cycle. The controller 104 may also transmit a signal to the pump 112 to remove water from the wash drum 102 at the conclusion of the first rinse cycle 158.
[0126] In step 208, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the first spin cycle 160. In step 206, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to a motor (not shown) to cause the wash drum 102 to spin for a predetermined time period.
[0127] In step 210, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the last rinse cycle 162. In step 210, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to the pump 112 to cause cold water to pass to the wash drum 102 and may further transmit a signal to the motor (not shown) to cause agitation of the water in the wash drum 102 during the last rinse cycle 162. In step 210, within the predetermined time period 168 prior to commencement 170 of the last spin cycle 166, the controller 104 may cause the particles 144 within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In one example, in step 210, during the last rinse cycle 162 the controller 104 may transmit the first signals to the valve actuators 133, 135 to open the valves 132, 134 to cause water to flow through the receptacle 136 to the wash drum 102 and thus cause the particles 144 within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In another example, in step 210 during the last rinse cycle 162, the controller 104 may transmit the first signal to the trapdoor actuator 142 to open the trapdoor 140 to cause particles 144 within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In step 210, the controller 104 may cause the particles 144 to enter the wash drum 102 such that the particles 144 are within the wash drum 102 for at least the predetermined time period 168. In one example, the duration of the last rinse cycle 162 at least encompasses the predetermined time period 168, such that water and agitation of the last rinse cycle 162 are present over the predetermined time period 168. This may ensure that the water-soluble carrier 146 of the particles 144 dissolves within the wash drum 102, thereby causing the PMCs 148 to be released and deposit to the laundry 103 within the wash drum 102.
[0128] In step 212, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the final spin cycle 164. In step 212, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to a motor (not shown) to cause the wash drum 102 to spin for a predetermined time period.
[0129] In one example, after performing the steps of the method 200 and a subsequent drying steps, the amount of deposited PMC 148 to the laundry 103 may be in a range from about 12 g to about 24 g of encapsulated perfume per gram of fabric.
[0130]
[0131] Steps 201, 202 and 204 of the method 220 may be similar to the steps 201, 202 and 204 of the method 200 previously discussed.
[0132] In step 226, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the final rinse cycle 172. In step 226, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to the pump 112 to cause cold water to pass to the wash drum 102 and may further transmit a signal to the motor (not shown) to cause agitation of the water in the wash drum 102 during the last rinse cycle 172. In step 226, within the predetermined time period 168 prior to commencement 176 of the last spin cycle 174, the controller 104 may cause the particles 144 within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In one example, in step 226, during the last rinse cycle 172 the controller 104 may transmit the first signals to the valve actuators 133, 135 to open the valves 132, 134 to cause particles 144 within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In another example, in step 226 during the last rinse cycle 172, the controller 104 may transmit the first signal to the trapdoor actuator 142 to open the trapdoor 140 to cause particles 144 within the receptacle 136 to enter the wash drum 102. In step 226, the controller 104 may cause the particles 144 to enter the wash drum 102 such that the particles 144 are within the wash drum 102 for at least the predetermined time period 168. In one example, the duration of the last rinse cycle 172 at least encompasses the predetermined time period 168, such that water and agitation of the last rinse cycle 172 are present over the predetermined time period 168. This may ensure that the water-soluble carrier 146 of the particles 144 dissolves within the wash drum 102, thereby causing the PMCs 148 to be released and adhere to the laundry 103 within the wash drum 102.
[0133] In step 228, the washing machine 100, 100 may perform the final spin cycle 174. In step 228, the controller 104 may transmit a signal to a motor (not shown) to cause the wash drum 102 to spin for a predetermined time period.
EXAMPLES
[0134] The following examples are put forth to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to perform the methods, how to make, and how to use the compositions and compounds disclosed and claimed herein. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. The purpose of the following examples is not to limit the scope of the various embodiments, but merely to provide examples illustrating specific embodiments.
Experimental
[0135] Cycle Description: Wash tests consisted of 6 internal and 2 external replicates for each treatment. Each wash test included ballast loads of double-ply cotton and polycotton knit swatches approximately 5050 cm in size. Target load weight for each wash test was 1.8 kg. Each wash test followed a typical front-load wash cycle consisting of a wash phase followed by two rinse phases. The cycles were scaled down to the capacity of an Electrolux W565H programmable washing machine. The wash phase consisted of 12 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 25 C with twelve-minute agitation for all cycles. The wash phase was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. First rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C with one-minute fill plus three minutes agitation for all cycles. The first rinse was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. Second rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C. Fill time for the second rinse was one-minute. The second rinse agitation time was dependent on treatment, ranging from three minutes to ten minutes. The second rinse phase was followed by a drain and a five-minute extraction spin set to 1000 rpm. Rinse water volumes were lower than wash water volumes to account for water content remaining in the fabric bundle from wash carryover into the rinse.
[0136] Fabric description: ITL cotton terries were sourced from Calderon (Indianapolis, IN, USA), 100% cotton, about 13 inches6 inches in size. Polyester:Cotton swatches were sourced from Empirical Manufacturing Company, Inc (Cincinnati, OH, USA), 50% polyester:50% cotton, about 7 inches7 inches in size. Fabrics were stripped using 2 wash/rinse cycles with AATCC detergent and 3 wash/rinse cycles with no detergent in 140 F soft water.
[0137] Before the fabrics were analysed, the fabrics were exposed to 73 F and 50% humidity for 4 hours. GCMS headspace analysis was used on each fabric sample, with the method described below.
[0138] Fabric headspace analysis was performed using Solid-phase Micro Extraction Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) described below. Typically, greater perfume intensity (as measured by headspace analysis) correlates with higher concentrations of perfume encapsulates on fabric. Perfume encapsulate headspace analysis is carried out on treated fabric that have been prepared and treated according to the fabric preparation method that is described above.
[0139] Headspace analysis is done on six treated fabrics from two different wash cycles for a total of twelve fabrics. Approximately 1.2 g of test fabrics are placed into a 20 mL headspace sample vial (#23082, available from Restek, Bellefonte, PA), and the vial is capped (#093640-040-00 available from Gerstel, Linthicum, MD). Dry fabrics are equilibrated for 4 hours in a constant temperature and humidity room at 21 C and 50% RH prior to capping.
[0140] The sample vials are then loaded onto a Gerstel MPS2 Autosampler (Gerstel Inc., Linthicum, MD, USA). Prior to the headspace analysis, each sample is pre-conditioned in the machine at 65 C. for 10 minutes. Headspace is extracted onto an Agilent 7890B/5977A GC-MS system (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) equipped with a Supelco 50/30 micrometer DVB/CAR/PDMS 23 Ga. Solid Phase Micro Extraction fiber (Supelco Inc., Bellefonte, PA, USA). GC analysis is conducted on a non-polar capillary column (DB-5MS UI, 30 meters nominal diameter, 0.25 millimeter nominal diameter, 25 micrometer thickness) and the headspace constituents (i.e. the perfume raw materials) are monitored by Mass Spectrometry (EI, 70 eV detector). Headspace intensity is calculated utilizing a single point calibration of the perfume raw materials. The total headspace concentration for each vial is calculated from the sum of the concentration of each detected perfume raw material, and the headspace is averaged for the twelve treated fabrics. Headspace improvement may be determined relative to the reference treatment.
[0141] Dosing of 11.6 grams of particles each trial. At 3 minutes, could see some dissolution problems. The 11.6 grams was a scaled down dosage based upon the size of the machine in the testing. Typical dosage for residential machines is believed to be about 29 grams. At 3 minutes, no pre-dissolving, with agitation, could have some undissolved particles or portions thereof left behind. If using water to push the particles from a receptacle into the wash drum, will help alleviate dissolution. Or, can reduce the grams provided into the wash drum to reduce the likelihood of undissolved particles.
[0142] Machine, dosage, and fabric conditions were scaled down to reflect an approximately 10 pound load in an approximately 4.0-4.5 cu ft machine. The drum dimensions used to estimate the approximate 4.0-4.5 cu ft machine capacity are provided in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Washer Small Scale washer NA FL Drum Diameter (m) 0.52 0.58 Drum Depth (m) 0.306 0.53 Drum Volume 2.3 cu ft 4.5 cu ft
[0143] For examples 1, 8, 10, and 14 the following method was used: Pre-dissolve particles for 10 min in beaker with water. Add to drum after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse. Wash test consisted of 6 stripped half ITL terry 100% cotton, 6 50/50 polyester/cotton swatch with 2 external replicates for each treatment. Each wash test comprised of ballast loads of double-ply cotton and polycotton knit swatches approximately 5050 cm in size. Target load weight for each wash test was 1.8 kg. Each wash test followed a typical front-load wash cycle consisting of a wash phase followed by two rinse phases. The cycles were scaled down to the capacity of an Electrolux W565H programmable washing machine. The wash phase consisted of 12 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 25 C with twelve-minute agitation for all cycles. The wash phase was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. First rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C with one-minute fill plus three minutes agitation for all cycles. The first rinse was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. Cycle was terminated to allow addition of pre-dissolved particles to second rinse. Second rinse was initiated upon addition of pre-dissolved particles via dispenser. Second rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C. Fill time for the second rinse was one-minute. The second rinse agitation time was three minutes. The second rinse phase was followed by a drain and a five-minute extraction spin set to 1000 rpm. Rinse water volumes were lower than wash water volumes to account for water content remaining in the fabric bundle from wash carryover into the rinse.
[0144] For examples 2, 6, 11, and 13 the following method was used: Add particles to drum after first rinse. 10 min agitation in second rinse. Wash test consisted of 6 stripped half ITL terry 100% cotton, 6 50/50 polyester/cotton swatch with 2 external replicates for each treatment. Each wash test comprised of ballast loads of double-ply cotton and polycotton knit swatches approximately 5050 cm in size. Target load weight for each wash test was 1.8 kg. Each wash test followed a typical front-load wash cycle consisting of a wash phase followed by two rinse phases. The cycles were scaled down to the capacity of an Electrolux W565H programmable washing machine. The wash phase consisted of 12 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 25 C with twelve-minute agitation for all cycles. The wash phase was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. First rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C with one-minute fill plus three minutes agitation for all cycles. The first rinse was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. Cycle was terminated to allow addition particles into the drum to second rinse. Second rinse was initiated upon addition of particles. Second rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C. Fill time for the second rinse was one-minute. The second rinse agitation time was ten-minutes. The second rinse phase was followed by a drain and a five-minute extraction spin set to 1000 rpm. Rinse water volumes were lower than wash water volumes to account for water content remaining in the fabric bundle from wash carryover into the rinse.
[0145] For examples 3, 7, 9, and 15 the following method was used: Add particles to drum after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse. Wash test consisted of 6 stripped half ITL terry 100% cotton, 6 50/50 polyester/cotton swatch with 2 external replicates for each treatment. Each wash test comprised of ballast loads of double-ply cotton and polycotton knit swatches approximately 5050 cm in size. Target load weight for each wash test was 1.8 kg. Each wash test followed a typical front-load wash cycle consisting of a wash phase followed by two rinse phases. The cycles were scaled down to the capacity of an Electrolux W565H programmable washing machine. The wash phase consisted of 12 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 25 C with twelve-minute agitation for all cycles. The wash phase was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. First rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C with one-minute fill plus three minutes agitation for all cycles. The first rinse was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. Cycle was terminated to allow addition particles into the drum to second rinse. Second rinse was initiated upon addition of particles. Second rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C. Fill time for the second rinse was one-minute. The second rinse agitation time was three-minutes. The second rinse phase was followed by a drain and a five-minute extraction spin set to 1000 rpm. Rinse water volumes were lower than wash water volumes to account for water content remaining in the fabric bundle from wash carryover into the rinse.
[0146] For examples 4, 5, 12, and 16 the following method was used: Add particles to drum before fabrics at beginning of cycle. Wash test consisted of 6 stripped half ITL terry 100% cotton, 6 50/50 polyester/cotton swatch with 2 external replicates for each treatment. Each wash test comprised of ballast loads of double-ply cotton and polycotton knit swatches approximately 5050 cm in size. Target load weight for each wash test was 1.8 kg. Each wash test followed a typical front-load wash cycle consisting of a wash phase followed by two rinse phases. The cycles were scaled down to the capacity of an Electrolux W565H programmable washing machine. Particles were added to wash drum before fabrics as dosing instructions recommend. The wash phase consisted of 12 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 25 C with twelve-minute agitation for all cycles. The wash phase was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. First rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C with one-minute fill plus three minutes agitation for all cycles. The first rinse was followed by a drain and a three-minute extraction spin set to 400 rpm. Cycle was terminated to allow addition particles into the drum to second rinse. Second rinse was initiated upon addition of particles. Second rinse consisted of 9 L of 7 gpg hardness water set to 15.5 C. Fill time for the second rinse was one-minute. The second rinse agitation time was three-minutes. The second rinse phase was followed by a drain and a five-minute extraction spin set to 1000 rpm. Rinse water volumes were lower than wash water volumes to account for water content remaining in the fabric bundle from wash carryover into the rinse.
Example 1
[0147] For this example, the following method was used: Pre-dissolve beads for 10 min in beaker with water. Add to drum with Cotton Terries fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 2
[0148] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Cotton Terries fabric after first rinse. 10 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 3
[0149] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Cotton Terries fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 4
[0150] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Cotton Terries fabric before fabrics at beginning of cycle.
Example 5
[0151] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Cotton Terries fabric before fabrics at beginning of cycle.
Example 6
[0152] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Cotton Terries fabric after first rinse. 10 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 7
[0153] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Cotton Terries fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 8
[0154] For this example, the following method was used: Pre-dissolve beads for 10 min in beaker with water. Add to drum with Cotton Terries fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 9
[0155] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 10
[0156] For this example, the following method was used: Pre-dissolve beads for 10 min in beaker with water. Add to drum with Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 11
[0157] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric after first rinse. 10 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 12
[0158] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum before Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric at beginning of cycle.
Example 13
[0159] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric after first rinse. 10 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 14
[0160] For this example, the following method was used: Pre-dissolve beads for 10 min in beaker with water. Add to drum with Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 15
[0161] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum with Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric after first rinse. 3 min agitation in second rinse.
Example 16
[0162] For this example, the following method was used: Add beads to drum before Polyester/Cotton 50/50 fabric at beginning of cycle.
RESULTS
[0163] The results of Examples 1-16 are summarized in Table 2, as well as in
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example Measured Signal 1 5.0376 2 4.5271 3 3.2884 4 1.7487 5 107.7044 6 105.8872 7 105.0747 8 90.7311 9 3.3335 10 3.0086 11 2.995 12 1.2782 13 92.0283 14 81.5234 15 79.2291 16 68.1126
Discussion of Examples 1-4
[0164] Example 4 shows freshness result from PMCs on cotton terries for how consumers are directed to use Particles today. Today, consumers put particles into washer drum at the beginning of the washer cycle. Adding the particles at the beginning of the washer cycle ensures good dissolution of the particles. The freshness from PMC's for putting particles in washer drum at the beginning of the washer cycle was 1.7 units. In examples 1-3 where particles were added 3-10 min from the end of the washer cycle, it is surprising that freshness from PMC's was significantly higher at 95% confidence than adding at the beginning of the washer cycle like in Example 4. For all of these, it is surprising that freshness from PMC's was higher. It was especially surprising that freshness was higher in Example 3 where only 3 min was available for Particles dissolution. Pre-dissolving the Particles via 10 min in a beaker with stir bar then adding to washer drum with only 3 min left in washer cycle led to significantly higher freshness from PMC's than Example 3. The condition of Example 1 enabled optimum dissolution, which enabled higher freshness from PMC's than Example 4 and Example 3.
[0165]
Discussion of Examples 5-8
[0166] Surprisingly, the same effect of significantly higher freshness from PMC's when particles were added 3-10 minutes from the end of the washer cycle was not seen for neat perfume on cotton terries. No statistical difference in freshness signal was seen for any of the conditions. It is surprising that the same effect seen for freshness from PMC's was not seen for freshness from neat perfume.
[0167]
Discussion of Examples 9-12
[0168] Example 12 shows freshness result from PMC's on polycotton terries for how consumers are directed to use Particles today. Today, consumers put Particles into washer drum at the beginning of the washer cycle. Adding the Particles at the beginning of the washer cycle ensures good dissolution of the particles. The freshness from PMC's for putting Particles in washer drum at the beginning of the washer cycle was 1.3 units. Surprisingly and similar to the effect on cotton terries, significantly higher freshness from PMCs at 95% confidence was seen when Particles were added 3-10 minutes from the end of the washer cycle on polycotton terries as shown in Examples 9, 10, and 11. Surprisingly and different than on cotton terries, no difference in freshness from PMC's was seen when pre-dissolving or adding Particles between 3 min and 10 min from end of the washer cycle.
[0169]
Discussion of Examples 13-16
[0170] Surprisingly, the same effect of significantly higher freshness from PMC's when particles were added 3-10 minutes from the end of the washer cycle was not seen for neat perfume on polycotton terries. No statistical difference in freshness signal from PMC's was seen for any of the conditions.
[0171]
Hardware
[0172]
[0173] A sequence of binary digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. A bus 310 includes many parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus 310. One or more processors 302 for processing information are coupled with the bus 310. A processor 302 performs a set of operations on information. The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus 310 and placing information on the bus 310. The set of operations also typically include comparing two or more units of information, shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication. A sequence of operations to be executed by the processor 302 constitutes computer instructions.
[0174] Computer system 300 also includes a memory 304 coupled to bus 310. The memory 304, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, stores information including computer instructions. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system 300. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory 304 is also used by the processor 302 to store temporary values during execution of computer instructions. The computer system 300 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 306 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 310 for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system 300. Also coupled to bus 310 is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device 308, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system 300 is turned off or otherwise loses power.
[0175] Information, including instructions, is provided to the bus 310 for use by the processor from an external input device 312, such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into signals compatible with the signals used to represent information in computer system 300. Other external devices coupled to bus 310, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device 314, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), for presenting images, and a pointing device 316, such as a mouse or a trackball or cursor direction keys, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display 314 and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display 314.
[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (IC) 320, is coupled to bus 310. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor 302 quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of application specific ICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display 314, cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.
[0177] Computer system 300 also includes one or more instances of a communications interface 370 coupled to bus 310. Communication interface 370 provides a two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general, the coupling is with a network link 378 that is connected to a local network 380 to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface 370 may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface 370 is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface 370 is a cable modem that converts signals on bus 310 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface 370 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. Carrier waves, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves travel through space without wires or cables. Signals include man-made variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties of carrier waves. For wireless links, the communications interface 370 sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams, such as digital data.
[0178] The term computer-readable medium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 302, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 308. Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory 304. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 302, except for transmission media.
[0179] Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), a digital video disk (DVD) or any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, or any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The term non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 302, except for carrier waves and other signals.
[0180] Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC *320.
[0181] Network link 378 typically provides information communication through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link 378 may provide a connection through local network 380 to a host computer 382 or to equipment 384 operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment 384 in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet 390. A computer called a server 392 connected to the Internet provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server 392 provides information representing video data for presentation at display 314.
[0182] The invention is related to the use of computer system 300 for implementing the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system 300 in response to processor 302 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory 304. Such instructions, also called software and program code, may be read into memory 304 from another computer-readable medium such as storage device 308. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory 304 causes processor 302 to perform the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as application specific integrated circuit 320, may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.
[0183] The signals transmitted over network link 378 and other networks through communications interface 370, carry information to and from computer system 300. Computer system 300 can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks 380, 390 among others, through network link 378 and communications interface 370. In an example using the Internet 390, a server 392 transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer 300, through Internet 390, ISP equipment 384, local network 380 and communications interface 370. The received code may be executed by processor 302 as it is received, or may be stored in storage device 308 or other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system 300 may obtain application program code in the form of a signal on a carrier wave.
[0184] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor 302 for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host 382. The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 300 receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red a carrier wave serving as the network link 378. An infrared detector serving as communications interface 370 receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus 310. Bus 310 carries the information to memory 304 from which processor 302 retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory 304 may optionally be stored on storage device 308, either before or after execution by the processor 302.
[0185]
[0186] In one embodiment, the chip set 400 includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 401 for passing information among the components of the chip set 400. A processor 403 has connectivity to the bus 401 to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory 405. The processor 403 may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor 403 may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus 401 to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor 403 may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 407, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 409. A DSP 407 typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor 403. Similarly, an ASIC 409 can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a general purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or more controllers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.
[0187] The processor 403 and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory 405 via the bus 401. The memory 405 includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform one or more steps of a method described herein. The memory 405 also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of one or more steps of the methods described herein.
[0188]
[0189] Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU) 503, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 505, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit 507 provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps as described herein. The display 507 includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display 507 and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry 509 includes a microphone 511 and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone 511. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone 511 is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 513.
[0190] A radio section 515 amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna 517. The power amplifier (PA) 519 and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU 503, with an output from the PA 519 coupled to the duplexer 521 or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 519 also couples to a battery interface and power control unit 520.
[0191] In use, a user of mobile terminal 501 speaks into the microphone 511 and his or her voice along with any detected background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 523. The control unit 503 routes the digital signal into the DSP 505 for processing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.
[0192] The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 525 for compensation of any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator 527 combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface 529. The modulator 527 generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter 531 combines the sine wave output from the modulator 527 with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer 533 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA 519 to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 519 acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 505 from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer 521 and optionally sent to an antenna coupler 535 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 517 to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.
[0193] Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 501 are received via antenna 517 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA) 537. A down-converter 539 lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator 541 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer 525 and is processed by the DSP 505. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 543 converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 545, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 503 which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown).
[0194] The MCU 503 receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard 547. The keyboard 547 and/or the MCU 503 in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone 511) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 503 runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal 501 as described herein. The MCU 503 also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display 507 and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU 503 exchanges information with the DSP 505 and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card 549 and a memory 551. In addition, the MCU 503 executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP 505 may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP 505 determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone 511 and sets the gain of microphone 511 to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal 501.
[0195] The CODEC 513 includes the ADC 523 and DAC 543. The memory 551 stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device 551 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data.
[0196] An optionally incorporated SIM card 549 carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card 549 serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal 501 on a radio network. The card 549 also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.
[0197] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal 501 includes a digital camera comprising an array of optical detectors, such as charge coupled device (CCD) array 565. The output of the array is image data that is transferred to the MCU for further processing or storage in the memory 551 or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the light impinges on the optical array through a lens 563, such as a pin-hole lens or a material lens made of an optical grade glass or plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile terminal 501 includes a light source 561, such as a LED to illuminate a subject for capture by the optical array, e.g., CCD 565. The light source is powered by the battery interface and power control module 520 and controlled by the MCU 503 based on instructions stored or loaded into the MCU 503.
Further Definitions and Cross-References
[0198] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as 40 mm is intended to mean about 40 mm.
[0199] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0200] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.