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Patent 2447786 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2447786
(54) English Title: BIO-ACTIVE DE-INKING OR CLEANING FOAM
(54) French Title: MOUSSE BIOACTIVE DE NETTOYAGE ET DE DESENCRAGE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • C11D 17/00 (2006.01)
  • C11D 1/83 (2006.01)
  • C11D 3/20 (2006.01)
  • C11D 3/386 (2006.01)
  • C11D 3/48 (2006.01)
  • C11D 11/00 (2006.01)
  • C11D 1/10 (2006.01)
  • C11D 1/14 (2006.01)
  • C11D 1/72 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • WILSON, ASHLEY JOHN (United Kingdom)
  • PIERCE, RAYMOND JOHN (United Kingdom)
(73) Owners :
  • SUN CHEMICAL GROUP B.V. (Netherlands (Kingdom of the))
(71) Applicants :
  • SUN CHEMICAL GROUP B.V. (Netherlands (Kingdom of the))
(74) Agent: RIDOUT & MAYBEE LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2002-05-16
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2002-11-28
Examination requested: 2003-11-19
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/GB2002/002297
(87) International Publication Number: WO2002/094973
(85) National Entry: 2003-11-19

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
0112286,0 United Kingdom 2001-05-19

Abstracts

English Abstract




A foamable aqueous liquid product comprising an aqueous liquid and a
stabilising agent, a surfactant, optionally a viscosity modifier, an enzyme
and optionally a preservative, which is void of organic solvent and having
particular utility in the printing and graphic arts industries.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un produit liquide aqueux moussant renfermant un liquide aqueux et un agent stabilisant, un tensioactif, une enzyme, et éventuellement un modificateur de viscosité et conservateur. Ce produit est exempt de solvants organiques et est particulièrement utilisé dans les industries de l'impression et des arts graphiques.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



Claims


1. A foamable aqueous liquid product comprising: an aqueous liquid, a
stabilising agent, a surfactant, optionally a viscosity modifier and an
enzyme.

2. A product according to claim 1 further comprising a preservative.

3. A product according to either claim 1 or 2 void of any organic solvents.

4. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the aqueous liquid acts
to solubilise/disperse various components within the foamable aqueous liquid
product.

5. A product according to claim 4 wherein the aqueous liquid is water.

6. A product according to claim 5 wherein the water is distilled.

7. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the stabilising agent
acts
to stabilise the foam once it has been formed.

8. A product according to claim 7 wherein the stabilising agent comprises a
fatty
acid.

9. A product according to claim 8 wherein the fatty acid comprises stearic
acid
and/or sodium dodecyl sulphate.

10. A product according to any preceding claim further comprising a base.

11. A product according to claim 10 wherein the base is triethanolamine.



14


12. A product according to any preceding claim further comprising an acid or
buffer as a pH modifier.

13. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the surfactant
comprises
a non-ionic surfactant.

14. A product according to claim 13 wherein the non-ionic surfactant is
polyoxyethylene.

15. A product according to claim 14 wherein the polyoxyethylene is Brij .TM..

16. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the surfactant
comprises
an anionic surfactant.

17. A product according to claim 16 wherein the anionic surfactant is selected
from sodium n-dodecyl sulphate or lauroylsarcosine sodium salt.

18. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the viscosity modifier
acts to thicken the foamable aqueous liquid and product thus retard drainage
from the formed foam.

19. A product according to claim 18 wherein the viscosity modifier is xanthan
gum.

20. A product according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 19 when dependent
thereon wherein the preservative is an antioxidant and/or an antibacterial
agent which acts to retard degradation of fats or other organic materials.

21. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the enzyme is selected
from the group consisting of a catalase, cellulase, cholesterol esterase,



15


esterase, lipase, papain, peroxidase, phosphatase and protease and mixtures
thereof.

22. A product according to any preceding claim provided as a foamable aqueous
liquid product is contained within and dispensable from a pressurised
container or canister.

23. A product according to claim 22 wherein the container/canister is reusable
and capable of being re-pressurised.

24. A product according to any one of claims 1 to 21 provided in a fixed
installation whereby foamable aqueous liquid product is contained within a
tank/storage vessel and can be piped/dispensed under pressure from a
directing nozzle to an area/ apparatus that needs to be cleaned.

25. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the foamable aqueous
liquid product has a viscosity in the range 2 to 10 centipoise.

26. A product according to any preceding claim wherein the formed foam has
bubbles of diameter within the range of 100 to 1000 µm.

27. A product according to claim 26 wherein the bubble diameter has a standard
deviation in the range ~ 10-30%.

28. A product according to claim 26 wherein the bubble diameter has a standard
deviation of ~ 20%.

29. A foamable aqueous liquid formulation comprising about 80 to 90 wt.% of an
aqueous liquid, about 7 to 12 wt.% of a stabilising agent, about 2 to 5 wt.%
of
a base, about 1 to 3 wt.% of a surfactant, and optionally about 0.05 to 0.5

16



wt.% of a viscosity modifier, an enzyme in the range of about 0.1 to 1.0 wt.%,
percentages of all components add up to 100%.

30. A formulation according to claim 29 further comprising about 0.01 to 0.05
wt.% of a preservative

31. A formulation according to either claim 29,or 30 containing up to 5 wt.%
of
other additives or components.

32. A formulation according to claim 31 containing between 1 to 3 wt.% of
other
additives or components.

33. A formulation according to any one of claims 29 to 32 further including
any
one or more of the features recited in any one or more of claims 1 to 31.

34. A formulation according to any one of claims 29 to 33 wherein the foam is
formed by aeration with a 3.2 wt.% propellant/blowing agent.

35. A method for obtaining a foamable aqueous liquid comprising the steps of:
(i) dispersing a viscosity modifier in an aqueous liquid;
(ii) adding a surfactant and a stabilising agent;
(iii) adding a neutralising agent and optionally adding a further stabilising
agent;
(iv) adding a preservative and;
(v) adding at least one enzyme.

36. A method according to claim 35 wherein steps are performed sequentially as
steps (i) to (v), simultaneously, or in a variety of combinations either
separately or in combination.

17



37. A product or formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 35 comprising
a
foamable aqueous liquid formulation obtainable by the method according to
either claim 36 or 37.

38. Use of a foamable aqueous liquid formulation according to any one of
claims
1 to 35 as a cleaning product in printing and graphics industries.

39. Use of a foamable aqueous liquid formulation according to any one of
claims
1 to 35 as a cleaning product in food preparation and manufacturing
industries.

40. Use of a foamable aqueous liquid formulation according to any one of
claims 1
to 35 as a cleaning product for removing lubricating and diesel oil-spill
residues, grease residues and non-dried, oil-based paint residues after small
scale spills.

41. A method of cleaning a surface comprising applying a foamable aqueous
liquid product according to any one of claims 1 to 28 or a foamable aqueous
liquid formulation according to any one of claims to 29 to 35 to the surface
so as to remove lipids, fats and/or grease.

18


Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
BIO-ACTIVE DE-INKING OR CLEANING FOAM
The invention relates to bio-active foams, foxmulations, manufacture thereof
and uses
therefor. The foams may be used in cleaning and/or removing spills of inks,
dyes,
organic matter such as vegetable and/or animal oils and fats, hydrocarbons and
paints
in the printing, graphics and manufacturing industries and in domestic and/or
industrial food preparation.
Background to the Invention
IO
Small volume ink spills (for example < 5 litres) in printing works or graphic
art
studios are typically cleaned up with a conventional adsorbent such as sawdust
or
Perlite TM a trade mark and product available in the UI~ from Zetmeelbedrijven
de
Bijenkorf B.V (The Netherlands). However, the residues which persist requixe
further treatment so as to remove them. Typically, the residues are mobilised
eithex
with an organic solvent such as white spirits or with vegetable oils. The
drawbacks
in using an organic solvent is that it can be a dermatological and/or
respiratory
irritant, moreover the solvent vapours given off can be harmful and create a
potential
fire risk in a work environment. In the instance of using a vegetable oil,
once it has
been applied to the residue it often produces a slippery surface and therefore
creates a
potential workplace hazard. A further problem with using organic solvents
and/or
oils as ink clean up products is that the ink is not completely mobilised
where the
surface to be cleaned is microporous (e.g. concrete) so typically clean up
products
only serve to drive the ink further into the surface.
Statement of the Invention
In its broadest aspect, the invention provides a bio-active foam comprising at
least
one enzyme so as to assist in the breakdown of substrates such as lipids,
oils, fats
and/or grease.
1


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a foamable
aqueous
liquid containing a surfactant and an enzyme.
According to a yet furthex aspect of the invention, there is provided a
foamable
aqueous liquid product comprising a stabilising . agent, a surfactant,
optionally a
viscosity modifier, an enzyme and optionally a preservative. The foamable
aqueous
liquid product does not have to, and preferably does not, contain any organic
solvents.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention is concerned with the use of an aqueous liquid-based
foam
carrier for the carriage of a bio-active enzyme. The foam advantageously acts
to hold
onto the substrate where the foam is applied thereby improving e~ciency of
targeting. In addition, the foam provides a gas/liquid environment above the
substrate surface so as to enhance the rate of enzymatic degradation of
specific
organic species on the substrate. Preferably, the aqueous liquid component is
water
and more preferably distilled water. The water acts to solubilise/disperse the
various
components of the foamable liquid.
The stabilising agent is preferably a fatty acid. Suitable examples of fatty
acids
include stearic acid and/or sodium dodecyl sulphate (syn. Iauryl sulphate).
The
function of the stabilising agent in the foamable aqueous Liquid is to
stabilise the
foam once it has been formed with the help of the surfactant component. Those
products suitable for use as a fatty acid must also contain a base so as to
neutralise
the fatty acids) whereby salts/soaps are formed. Preferably, the base is
triethanolamine or another triolkanolamine. Irrespective of whether the
stabilizing
agent is a fatty acid, the product may optionally contain an acid, base or
buffer as a
pH modifier.
2


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
Preferably, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant which may optionally
include an
anionic surfactant; more preferably the non-ionic surfactant is a
polyoxyethylene such
as BrijTM, available in the UI~ from Aldrich Chemical Company. Suitable
surfactants
which are anionic, for example includes sodium n-dodecyl sulphate or
Iauroylsarcosine sodium salt. Anionic surfactants are known to remove
carbohydrate
and protein type soils, whereas non-ionic surfactants are especially useful in
removing greasy and oily food soils. Therefore, one embodiment of the
invention is a
mixture of surfactants to clean and remove complex soil types found on food
preparation work surfaces and kitchen utensils. The surfactant not only aids
in the
dissolution or dispersion of the soil but also aids in the initial foaming of
the aqueous
liquid and is useful in stabilising the foam once it has formed.
Preferably, the viscosity modifier, when present, is a gum or the like, such
as xanthan
gum and is present in preferred embodiments so as to thicken the foamable
liquid and
thus retard drainage from the formed foam.
Preferably, the preservative, when present, is an antioxidant and/or an
antibacterial
agent and also acts to retard degradation of fats and other organic materials.
The foamable aqueous liquid product comprises at least one enzyme preferably
selected from the group consisting of catalase, cellulase, cholesterol
esterase,
esterase, lipase, papain, peroxidase, phosphatase and protease. It will be
appreciated
that where the foamable aqueous liquid is to be used to remove lipid or ester
films
from solid substrates or surfaces, lipases and esterases enzymes are of
particular
utility.
The foam is preferably produced by aeration and more preferably by a suitable
a
propellant or blowing agent, such as a butanelpropane mix, for example, A46
hydrocarbon.
3


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
In the case of oil-based film in contact with a solid (often porous)
substrate, while not
wishing to be bound by theory, the mode of action of the foam in removing the
lipid
layer is believed to be as described in the following paragraphs:
Once the foam is deposited onto the spill/oil film, it begins to undergo
gravitational
separation. The aqueous liquid, enzymes) and surfactant component parts of the
foam drain towards and onto the surface of the spill/oil film. However,
because the
film is hydrophobic, the aqueous medium is unable to penetrate through the
film to
separate it from the underlying solid surface. It is therefore believed
thought that due
to the presence and biological activity of the enzymes in the aqueous liquid
the
enzymatic action starts to "thin" the spill/oil film at the ~ interface,
allowing the
aqueous liquid to penetrate the oil film and separate it from the underlying
solid
surface. The process is assisted by the presence of surfactants. As a
consequence of
the enzymatic action, the film can be lifted from the solid surface in small
"crazy
paving" type fragments.
Once the film fragments are separated from the solid substrate they begin to
float up
(oil being lighter than water) through the aqueous medium and to some degree
(if
they are small enough) through the lamellae of the foam, so that they are
trapped at
the gas/liquid interface. The foam is thus believed to act advantageously in
several
ways: i) as a targeting aid; ii) as a reservoir for the enzymes) and
surfactant; iii) as a
controlled means of dispensing enzyme and surfactant to the oil film surface
and; iv)
as a trap for the released oil film fragments.
Preferably, the foamable aqueous liquid product is contained within and
dispensed
from a pressurised container or canister. These containers/carusters may be
reusable
and capable of being re-.pressurised. Alternatively, in the instance of
providing a
fixed installation, the foamable aqueous liquid may be contained within a
tank/storage vessel and piped/dispensed under pressure from a directing nozzle
to the
area/ apparatus in need of cleaning.
4


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
The viscosity of the foamable aqeuous liquid is desirably selected so that the
liquid is
able to drain from the lamellae of the foamed liquid in a slow controlled
manner. If
the viscosity is low then the rate of drainage (gravitational separation) will
be fast
and the foam will collapse quickly. On the other hand, if the viscosity is
high, then
the rate at which the enzyme drains onto the oil film will be slow and the
speed at
which the oil film fragments rise through the liquid to the foam will also be
slow.
Preferably, the foamable aqueous liquid has a viscosity in the range 2 to IO
centipoise.
Generation of the foam is achieved by pressurising the aqueous liquid with a
liquified
"blowing agent" in a canister. When the pressure is released via a nozzle, the
liquid
blowing agent becomes dissolved in the foam liquid and expands as it
gassifies.
Ideally, the blowing agent is uniformly mixed/dispersed with the foam liquid
so that
bubbles of relatively uniform size are produced from the foamable liquid
ideally
resulting in a formed foam with a bubble size within a specific size range in
order to
effect stability of the formed product. If there are a wide range of bubble
diameters
within the foam this can lead to instability and rapid foam collapse. The
bubble size
is desirably selected to be quite small e.g. 200 ~,m so as to effect efficient
"trapping"
of oil film fragments. Preferably, the formed foam has bubbles of diameter
within the
range of 100-1000 qm (for example 100-500 ~,m, e.g. about 200 ~.m) and more
preferably the standard deviation is within the range ~ 10-30% and more
preferably
still ~ 20%.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
formulation
comprising about 80 to 90 wt.% of an aqueous medium, about 5 to 15 wt.% of a
stabilising agent, about 2 to Swt.% of a base, about 1 to 5 wt.% of a
surfactant, about
0.05 to 0.5 wt.%~of a viscosity modifier, an enzyme in the range of O.I to 1.0
wt.%,
and optionally about 0.01 to 0.05 wt.% of a preservative, the formulated
product
being in the form of a foamable liquid. The formulation may contain up to 5
wt.%,
preferably up to 3 wt.% and more preferably up to 1 wt.%, of other additives
or
components. The percentages of all components add up to I00%.
5


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
Preferably, the foam is formed by aeration with a propellant/blowing agent,
such as
foam 2 to 5 wt.% of a butane/propane mix (e.g. A46 hydrocarbon). Typically,
the
preferred concentration of enzyme within the formulation varies between 0.1
and
1.0% by weight and its selection is dependent on a user's requirements.
According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid
having
foam-forming characteristics obtainable by:
(i) dispersing a viscosity modifier in an aqueous medium;
(ii) adding a surfactant and a stabilising agent to the mixture;
(iii) adding a neutralising agent and optionally adding a fiufiher stabilising
agent to the mixture;
(iv) adding a preservative to the mixture and;
(v) adding at least one enzyme to the mixture.
The invention therefore includes a liquid having the characteristics of a
foamable
liquid obtained by the above method.
Preferably, the above mentioned steps may be performed sequentially as steps
(i) to
(v), simultaneously or in a variety of combinations either separately or in
combination, the sequences of which is not intended to limit the scope of the
method.
Preferably, when the resulting mixture is completed, it is provided in a
container
from where it may be dispensed under pressure. It will be appreciated that the
foamable liquid is aerated in order to form the foam and that aeration may be
by
agitation or by passing an appropriate blowing agent/propellant therethrough,
preferably under pressure.
According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided use of a
foamable
liquid as hereinbefore described for use as a cleaning pxoduct in the printing
and
graphic arts industries.
6


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
The foamable liquid of the present invention is of particular use where it can
be used
to "wash-up" i.e. clean print machine rollers and to clean small scale spill
residues of
oil-based and quick-set inks in printing works. It will be appreciated from
the
foregoing that the foamable liquid of the present invention does not have to
contain
any volatile organic solvents and therefore may be safe for use in the
workplace
within the terms of the European Union Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Directive and the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA regulations in the
United States. Indeed, if used in conjunction with UV polymerisable inks, the
foam
clean up system advantageously constitutes a completely solvent-free printing
system.
According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided use of a
foamable
liquid as herein before described for use in the food preparation and
manufacturing
industries. Preferably, the foamable liquid and formed foam are non-toxic and
non-
hazardous when in use.
The foam may also be used as an industrial and/or domestic cleaning agent in
the
manufacture, retail and preparation of foods as a de-greasing agent for
surfaces such
as, for example, counters, floors and walls in addition to use as a cleaning
agent in
conventional and microwave ovens. The foams are of particular use in de-
greasing/removing oil films from food preparation equipment and in the removal
of
solid oil residues, at room temperature from worktops and food preparation
surfaces.
According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided use of a
foamable
liquid as herein before described for use in removing lubricating and diesel
oil-spill
residues, grease residues and non-dried, oil-based paint residues after small
scale
spills. The foams are of particular use in removing such spill/residues from
flat and
porous surfaces.
Typically, in preparing the foamable liquid of the present invention, the
viscosity
modifier (when used) is dispersed in the aqueous liquid under action of mild
heat.
7


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
The surfactant may be added at the same time or after the viscosity modifier
has
dispersed. The surfactant, if solid, is allowed to melt and the stabilising
agent and
base added to the mixture with stirring. When' the mixture has cooled to a
temperature below which denaturation of the particular enzymes employed and
can
occur, e.g. below 37°C and especially about 30°C or below, the
enzymes) may be
added and optionally the preservative may be included in the mixture. The
mixture
can then be dispensed into appropriate containers for subsequent use.
Specific aspects of the present invention are disclosed in even greater detail
in the
following examples. The examples are illustrative only, and are not intended
to limit
the scope thereof in any respect. All parts and percentages are provided in
weight
percent unless otherwise stated.
Example 1
Xanthan gum (1.2 g) is dispersed completely in water (845 ml) by mixing
vigorously.
The mixture is then heated to a temperature of about 60°C. Next, Brij
35TM (21.5 g)
is added and mixed until completely melted. Subsequently, stearic acid (65 g)
is
added and mixed until it has completely dissolved. The mixture is then warmed
to
about 75°C and triethanolamine (37 ml) poured in and mixed. Then lauryl
sulphate
(29g) is added for about O.Sh until all the components have combined
thoroughly.
The mixture is cooled to about 30°C and BHT (0.2 g) is added. The
enzyme lipase
(0.5 wt. %) derived from porcine pancreas is then added and entire mixture is
mixed
well to dissolve the enzyme. During the preparation, mixing is carried out at
a low
speed in order to minimize foaming.
The final mixture. is cooled to 20°C and dispensed into appropriate
vesselslcans. A
blowing agent is used (A46 hydrocarbon at 3.2 wt.%) to act as a propellant.
For
portable systems, the foamable liquid preparation is contained and dispensed
in
pressurised canisters or alternatively dispensed into larger refillable re-
pressurisable
canisters. For fixed, static applications the foamable liquid is contained
within a tank
8


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
and piped under pressure to dispensing nozzles on, for example, a large
printing
machine.
Table 1
BASIC SOAP-STABILISED FOAMABLE
LIQUID FORMULATION


Component Conc. Weight


Distilled water , 845m1 84.5


Stearic acid 65g 6.5


Triethanolamine (99% LFG90) 37m1 3.7


Sodium dodecyl sulphate (syn. lauryl29g 2.2
sulphate)


Brij 35TM (surfactant) 21.5g 2.2


Xanthan gum 1.2g 0.1


Butylated hydroxytoluene 0.2g 0.02


Lipase (ex porcine pancreas) Sg 0.5


Example 2
The composition of Example 2 was prepared in the same way as Example 1 but the
enzyme was an estexase (0.5 wt. %), derived from porcine liver.
Table 2
BASIC SOAP-STABILISED FOAMA.BLE
LIQUID FORMULATION


Component Conc. Weight o


Distilled water 845m1 84.5


Stearic acid 65g 6.5
I


Triethanolamine (99% LFG90) 37m1 3.7


Sodium dodecyl sulphate (syn. lauryl29g 2.2
sulphate)


Brij 35TM (surfactant) 21.5g 2:2


Xanthan gum 1.2g 0.1


Butylated hydroxytoluene 0.2g 0.02


Esterase (ex poxcine liver) Sg 0.5


9


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
Both lipase (Example 1) and esterase (Example 2) enzymes have been trialled
within
the Basic Soap-Stabilised Foamable Liquid Formulation.
For the removal of thin vegetable oil films, the addition of 0.5% by weight
lipase is
more efficient in terms of speed of removal and percentage removal of the
film, than
0.5% by weight esterase.
While it is considered that esterase does have value in specific applications
(eg.
certain mineral oils) it is envisaged that lipase will be adopted as a
standard enzyme
10, for the application of the foam to most commercial-scale cleaning
applications.
Example 3
An experiment to test the e~cacy of the foamable liquid was conducted using
the
15 formulation of Example 1 compared to a control which comprised the
formulation of
Example 1 without the enzyme.
An ink film was applied to the rough sides of frosted microslides by spreading
a
thixotropic ink onto its surface. The ink was spread onto the slide so that
the fissures
20 on the rough surface filled up with the ink and produced an even layer was
produced .
The thickness of the ink layer was approximately 20 ~,m. Experiments were
performed within a 25 by 12.5 cm square polypropylene box. Ink coated slides
were
supported so that they rested approximately 25 mm above the base of the box.
In this
way intimate contact with the foam was achieved whilst avoiding contact with
the
25 solution in the bottom of the box which results from drainage from the
foam.
Each Foam (Example l and Example 1 minus enzyme) was scooped into a separate
polypropylene box on top of the ink-coated slides. After a predetermined time
(t=0 h
and 89hrs) the slides were removed from the boxes and the surfaces freed from
30 adherent foam. The residual ink was monitored photographically and using a
densitometric technique. A third box with no foam was used as a further
control.


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
Image analysis by densitometry was as follows: the slides bearing the ink
layers were
placed on a photographic light box and a black card mask with a rectangular
aperture
of the same dimensions as the deposited ink layer was placed over the slide. A
video
camera was focused on the slide/mask and the intensity of light transmitted
was
recorded. The video camera was connected to a Joyce/Loebel Magiscan image
analyser to perform the densitometry measurement. The results are tabulated
below.
Values are given as transmittance so that black i.e. no transmittance would
have a
value of 0 whereas white i.e. complete transmittance would have a value of
100.
Thus, the higher the densitometer transmittance value the more effective the
cleaning.
Treatment Time Control Example 1 withoutExample 1 with
(hours) (No foam) enzyme enzyme


0 0.24 0.34 0.34


89 0.24 9.23 17.76


With reference to the Figures, there is shown a control microslide (Figure 1
B)
covered with an ink film which received no treatment. Figure 1A illustrates an
ink
film coated microslide to which the foam formulation of Example 1 without the
presence of an enzyme was applied whereas Figure 1 C illustrates an ink film
coated
microslide to which the foam formulation of Example 1 including an enzyme (
0.1%
lipase) has been applied.
The results demonstrate that addition of the enzyme to the foam formulation
greatly
improves the ability and e~cacy of the foam to lift ink spills compared to
foam
without an enzyme. In addition, following treatment with Example 1 foam with
enzyme the residual ink film on the microslide was much "looser" and more
amenable to being washed off in a water stream.
11


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
Example 4
The foamable liquid formulation incorporating 0.5% lipase and contained in a
400m1.
pressurised canister has been tested in our kitchens and in large scale food
preparation areas. The foam has been successfully used to remove both liquid
and
solid (crystalline) oil/grease films at room temperature (RT).
The substrates tested included: vinyl flooring; stainless steel worktops/food
preparation surfaces; melamine (Formiea) worktops/food preparation surfaces;
glass
oven doors;
The types of residues tested included: films of vegetable oil (liquid at RT);
films of
animal fats (solid at RT); Cocoa butter (solid at RT);
The foam was deposited directly from the 400m1. pressurised canister and onto
the
surface of the residue. In some cases, the surface was vertical (eg. oven
doors) and the
foam had sufficiently high cohesive properties to remain on the surface
without any
slippage. The foam was left for about 4min. then gently removed/swept from the
substrate using a flat straight edge such as a soft plastic flat-edge spatula
or rubber flat-
edged 'squeegee'. It was unnecessary to apply undue pressure to the spatula or
'squeegee' onto the substrate, but only sufficient to effectively sweep away
the foam
bulk.
Our results showed that as the foam was removed, the oil/fat film could be
seen to
have lifted from the substrate and be trapped within the structure of the
foam.
After the foam had been removed, the substrate had a dry, oil-free surface to
the touch.
The foam was effective in the removal of both solid (eg. cocoa butter) and
liquid (eg.
vegetable oil) films.
12


CA 02447786 2003-11-19
WO 02/094973 PCT/GB02/02297
Those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings of the present
invention as
herein above set forth, can effect numerous modifications thereto. These
modifications are to be construed as being encompassed within the scope of the
present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
13

Representative Drawing

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Administrative Status

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Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2002-05-16
(87) PCT Publication Date 2002-11-28
(85) National Entry 2003-11-19
Examination Requested 2003-11-19
Dead Application 2009-05-19

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2008-05-16 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE
2008-08-06 R30(2) - Failure to Respond
2008-08-06 R29 - Failure to Respond

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Request for Examination $400.00 2003-11-19
Application Fee $300.00 2003-11-19
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-03-15
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-03-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2004-05-17 $100.00 2004-04-05
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2005-05-16 $100.00 2005-03-31
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2006-05-16 $100.00 2006-03-24
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2007-05-16 $200.00 2007-04-16
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
SUN CHEMICAL GROUP B.V.
Past Owners on Record
PIERCE, RAYMOND JOHN
WILSON, ASHLEY JOHN
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2003-11-19 1 48
Claims 2003-11-19 5 161
Drawings 2003-11-19 1 65
Description 2003-11-19 13 600
Cover Page 2004-01-29 1 26
PCT 2003-11-19 5 166
Assignment 2003-11-19 3 95
Correspondence 2004-01-26 1 26
Prosecution-Amendment 2005-09-14 2 32
Assignment 2004-03-15 3 140
Fees 2004-04-05 1 32
Fees 2005-03-31 1 27
Fees 2006-03-24 1 26
Fees 2007-04-16 1 28
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-02-06 4 151