C7807
FORM - 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO FABRIC CLEANING PROCESSES AND
APPARATUS THEREFOR
HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office at Hindustan Lever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

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Improvements relating to fabric cleaning processes and apparatus therefor
Technical Field:
5
The present invention relates to fabric cleaning processes and an apparatus for carrying out such a process.
Background:
10
Every year, fabric-washing processes use large quantities of water and chemicals. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, water is in short supply and the use of chemicals, even from renewable resources, is
15 everywhere under increasing environmental pressure.
WO03/099987 (Unilever, 2003) discloses a cleaning process for fabrics in which soiled fabrics are placed in water together with an article comprising entrapped microbes.
20 Following incubation, the microbes release enzymes useful in the cleaning process, thereby reducing the need for chemical cleaning agents. The article may also contain carbon and energy sources for the microbes, helping them to proliferate and to produce enzymes.
25
The process of "987 is described with particular reference to hand-wash conditions and may be performed in a bucket, bowl or other such receptacle. The Examples in the '987 patent illustrate the invention by describing how test
30 articles, were placed in a model laundering apparatus (comprising an array of shaker-flasks) together with

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10

swatches of stained cloth which were later rinsed and examined.
As well as buckets, many types of washing machines have been proposed for use in laundry processes. The great majority of these are either vertical axis machines (as often used in the US or in Japan) or horizontal axis machines such as are common in Europe. Intermediates axis machines are also known, but are something of a rarity.
Brief Description of the Invention:

We have determined that the microbial cleaning process described above can be enhanced by use of a specific 15 apparatus as opposed to a simple bucket or shaker flask.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a laundering apparatus comprising;
a) a first vessel to receive and contain fabrics to be
20 laundered and a microbial culture in an aqueous medium,
b) means to separate the fabrics and the microbial culture during an incubation phase, and,
c) means to rotate the first vessel about a non-vertical axis,
25 wherein the first vessel (2;27) is in communication with at least one further vessel (3a,3b;22) in which incubation of the microbial culture takes place, wherein the first and further vessel are so arranged that during operation and in one or more orientations of
30 the first vessel, aqueous medium can flow from the
further vessel onto fabric within the first vessel, and

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wherein in a further orientation of the first vessel aqueous medium can flow back into the further vessel.
By providing means to separate the fabrics and the microbial
5 culture it is possible to ensure that incubation of the culture can occur before contact of the culture with the fabric to be laundered. Many existing washing machines have devices (such as trays) that can store and dose washing compositions, but these are unsuitable for the separate
10 incubation of microbes.
By providing means to rotate the vessel about a non-vertical axis it is possible to ensure that the contents of the vessel are aerated and well circulated.
15
The means to rotate the vessel about a non-vertical axis can be
manual or powered, preferably by being mechanically and/or
electrically driven. Rotation can be continuous or' discontinuous,
partial or complete, periodic or a-periodic,
20 reversing or non-reversing.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for laundering fabric in an apparatus of the invention, which process comprises the steps of:
25 a) Incubating a microbial culture in an aqueous medium,
b) Optionally diluting the aqueous medium,
c) Subsequent to step (a), contacting the optionally diluted aqueous medium with the fabric, and,
d) Aerating the aqueous medium.
30
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Detailed Description:
In order that the invention may be further understood it will be further described with reference to some non-limiting embodiments and preferred features.
5
According to the present invention a first vessel to receive both the fabric and the microbial culture is in communication with at least one further vessel in which incubation of the microbial culture takes place. Preferably
10 the number of further vessels is not more than two.
It is preferable that the further vessel shares at least one common wall with the first vessel.
15 It is preferred that the first vessel is a cylinder (or a prism) with a long axis that is at least >50% longer than its diameter, preferably >75% longer.

In a preferred embodiment communication from the further
20 vessel to the first vessel is bi-directional, such that fluids may pass in both directions.
The further vessel may have a single path of communication with the first vessel or, preferably, a plurality of
25 communication paths. A particularly preferred form of
communication is through apertures defined by a perforated plate. The communication paths is so arranged such that aqueous medium only flows through them when the first vessel is in a particular orientation.
30
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According to the invention, the communication paths and the first and further vessel are so arranged that during operation and in one or more orientations of the first vessel, aqueous medium can drip from the further vessel onto
5 fabric within the first vessel. Furthermore, the
communication paths and the first and further vessel are also so arranged that in a further orientation of the first vessel aqueous medium can flow back into the further vessel.
10 The first vessel may be able to move relative to the, or each, further vessel. Preferably the first vessel and the, or each, further vessel are fixed relative to each other.

To facilitate rotation of the first vessel about a non-
15 vertical axis it may be supported on trunions disposed along a horizontal or angled axis. In one alternative, the first vessel may be supported on rollers or bearing surfaces.
In embodiments in which the first vessel is arranged to
20 rotate about an axis which is not horizontal, preferably
when it is so arranged to rotate about an axis inclined from 30-60 degrees from the vertical, vane means may be provided within the first vessel to urge the aqueous medium to circulate within the vessel.
25
In a particularly preferred embodiment the vane means comprise a helical impeller which functions as an "Archimedean screw'. The impeller is attached to the wall of the first vessel such that as the vessel rotates (most
30 preferably about an axis inclined at around 45 degrees to the vertical) aqueous medium within the vessel is urged

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towards the higher end of the axis. The aqueous medium then drains towards the lower end of the axis from where it may be re-circulated. In the alternative, a helical conduit may be used as this also functions as an Archimedean screw.
5
During operation of the device and while the optionally
diluted aqueous medium is contacting the fabrics, the
water/fabric ratio will typically be in the range 8:1 to 1:1,
preferably in the range 7:1 to 3:1. This is generally
10
lower than the water/fabric ratios of 20:1-3:1 used in
conventional machine laundering processes.
Typically contact between the aqueous medium and the fabric is maintained for 1-6 hours, preferably 1.5-3 hours.
15 Rotation of the first vessel 1-3 times about a non-vertical axis preferably occurs at 15-45 minute intervals.
Typically the wash load comprises l-4kg (by dry weight) of fabric.
20
The first or further vessel preferably has a closable and openable port for the inflow and/or removal of aqueous media. Conveniently, as the vessel is rotated the drain moves into a second position where it may also be used the
25 fill the vessel. In the alternative, separate draining and
filling ports may be provided for the first or further vessel.

Optionally, means are provided to prevent over-filling of
30 the first vessel. These may comprise, for example, means which require some human-intervention such as a viewing

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window or spit-cock or at least partially automatic means such as ball-cock devices.
In a preferred mode of use, a liquid medium is introduced
5 into the further vessel. This liquid medium may contain
microbial spores when introduced or may be combined with a
source of spores within the further vessel. The spores and
liquid medium are incubated in the further vessel to produce
an active culture of microbes. In the alternative, an active
10 culture of microbes can be introduced into the further
vessel.
During the subsequent 'digestion' phase the liquid medium is brought into contact with the fabric within the first
15 vessel. In preferred embodiments this is achieved either
simply by rotation of the first vessel about its rotational axis, or by operation of valve means in the communication path leading to the first vessel.
20 Following the digestion phase the wash load may be rinsed and/or treated with further cleaning agents. These further cleaning agents may comprise one or more of surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, and optionally, other 'minors' such as soil release agents, anti-redeposition agents,
25 further enzymes, perfumes and/or other conventional laundry treatment agents.
Particularly preferred microbes are fungi and bacteria.
30 Suitable bacteria are disclosed in WO 03/099987. These are capable of producing enzymes such as oxidoreductases,

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carbohydrases, proteases, lipases, transferases and glycosidase. Especially preferred are Penicillium sp, Curvularia sp, Trawetes sp, Hansenula sp, Pyricularia sp, Hordem sp, Rhisopus sp, Canida sp, Thricoderma sp,
5 Aspergillus sp, Cellulonomas sp, Streptococcus sp, Bacillus sp, and Flavobacterium sp. As noted in WO 03/099987 effective cleaning can be obtained with enzymes obtained from Penicilium pinophilum and/or Trametes Versicolor.
10 In order that the invention can be further understood and carried forth into practice it will be further described with reference to the following figures and by means of specific examples.
15 Fig.l shows a vertical, partially cut away view of an apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.2 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.
20
In figure 1 there is shown apparatus comprising an outer wall 1 which defines a first vessel 2 and two further vessels 3a and 3b. The further vessels 3a and 3b are separated from the first vessel 2 by perforated plates 12a
25 and 12b. The outer wall 1 is provided with a door 4 which
can be held in position by latches such as 11, and opens on hinges 13. The first vessel is supported on trunions 17, which are journalled in bearings 6 supported on frame 5. The first vessel may rotate about axis ‘A', and crank 8 is
30 provided to facilitate manual rotation. Cocks 9 and 10 are provided for ingress and egress of fluids.

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In use, a liquid medium comprising microbial spores is introduced into the lower further vessel 3b. Cock 9 should be fully closed when the apparatus is in the orientation
5 shown in figure 1 unless positive pressure is being used to introduce a fluid. The liquid medium is then allowed to incubate to form a microbial culture. A wash-load is introduced into first vessel 2. The perforated plate 12b serves to separate the fabric from the microbial culture.
10
When the 'incubation' stage is complete crank 8 is operated such that the lower vessel 3b exchanges places with the upper vessel 3a. This causes the aqueous medium to drip through the perforated plate 12b onto the fabric in vessel
15 2. The dripping process ensures that the aqueous medium is aerated and contacts the wash-load. Further aqueous medium may be added at this stage.
Excess liquid drains into the now lower vessel 3a and the
20 crank can be operated further times to ensure that the aqueous medium again contacts the fabric.
At the end of the 'digestion' stage the aqueous medium may be removed from the vessel via whichever of the cocks 9 and
25 10 is at the lower end of the apparatus. At this stage the lowermost perforated plate again serves to separate the fabric from the microbial culture. Further liquid for further cleaning and/or ringing steps may be introduced via the same or the other cock.
30
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In Figure 2 there is shown an alternative embodiment. In this instance an outer wall 20 defines a first vessel 27. The vessel is supported on a pair of rollers (or which one is shown as 25) and also on pin 24.
5
The first vessel 27 comprises a removable lid 21 held in place by latches 24. A strap 28 helps retain the first vessel on the support 29. The lid comprises a bucket-like structure 22 with a hole 23 in the side. This bucket like
10 structure provides the further vessel for the incubation
step. The lid 21 and bucket 22 may be removed so that fabric may be placed in the vessel 27.
In use, a liquid medium comprising microbial spores is
15 introduced into bucket 22. The liquid medium is then allowed to incubate to form a microbial culture. A wash-load is introduced into first vessel 2. The bucket 22 serves to separate the fabric from the microbial culture during the incubation step.
20
When the 'incubation' stage is complete, the vessel 27 is rotated about axis B. This causes the aqueous medium to fall from bucket 22 and contact the fabric in vessel 27. Further aqueous medium may be added at this stage via bucket 22 and
25 hole 23.

The helical pipe 26, which is open at both ends functions as an Archimedean screw. As the vessels rotate aqueous medium enters the lower end of the pipe and is raised towards the
30 upper part of the vessel 27. Aqueous medium is released

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through the upper end of the pipe and falls towards the lower part of the vessel.

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Claims :
1. A laundering apparatus comprising;
a) a first vessel (2;27) to receive and contain fabrics to be laundered and a microbial culture in an aqueous medium,
b) means (12a,12b;22) to separate the fabrics and the microbial culture during an incubation phase, and,
c) means (5-8,-24,25) to rotate the first vessel (2;27) about a non-vertical axis (A;B),
wherein the first vessel (2,-27) is in communication with at least one further vessel (3a,3b;22) in which incubation of the microbial culture takes place, wherein the first and further vessel are so arranged that during operation and in one or more orientations of the first vessel, aqueous medium can flow from the further vessel onto fabric within the first vessel, and wherein in a further orientation of the first vessel aqueous medium can flow back into the further vessel.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further vessel shares at least one common wall (12a,12b;22) with the first vessel.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein communication from the further vessel (3a,3b;22) to the first vessel (2;27) is bi-directional, such that fluids may pass in both directions.

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4. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1-3, wherein means (26) are provided within the first vessel to urge the aqueous medium to circulate within the first vessel.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 comprising a helical impeller (26), which functions as an 'Archimedean Screw'.
6. A process for laundering fabric in an apparatus according to any of claims 1-5, which process comprises the steps of:

a) Incubating a microbial culture in an aqueous medium,
b) Optionally diluting the aqueous medium,
c) Subsequent to step (a), contacting the optionally diluted aqueous medium with the fabric, and,
d) Aerating the aqueous medium.
7. A process as claimed in claim 6, which further comprises
a subsequent step of rinsing and/or contacting the
fabric with an aqueous solution or dispersion of one or
more of surfactant, builder, or bleaching agents.
DATED 8 FEB 2007
HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED
(S. Venkatramani) Senior Patents Manager

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The invention provides a laundering apparatus comprising;
a) a first vessel (2;27) to receive and contain fabrics to be laundered and a microbial culture in an aqueous medium,
b) means (12a,12b;22) to separate the fabrics and the microbial culture during an incubation phase, and,
c) means (5-8;24,25) to rotate the first vessel (2;27) about a non-vertical axis (A;B),
wherein the first vessel (2;27) is in communication with at least one further vessel (3a,3b;22) in which incubation of the microbial culture takes place, wherein the first and further vessel are so arranged that during operation and in one or more orientations of the first vessel, aqueous medium can flow from the further vessel onto fabric within the first vessel, and wherein in a further orientation of the first vessel aqueous medium can flow back into the further vessel.