Cleaning method and system utilizing microcapsules
AssigneeEmpire Technology Development LLC
InventorTakahisa Kusuura
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cleaning method uses a cleaning agent in which microcapsules are dispersed therein. Each of the microcapsules encapsulates a gas precursor, which is capable of undergoing a phase transition to a gas phase by application of ultrasonic wave energy. In the cleaning method, clothing to be cleaned is wetted with the cleaning agent, and then an ultrasonic wave is applied to the clothing to cause the microcapsules to expand and explode, releasing gas. Explosion energy of the microcapsules contribute to remove dirt stains from the clothing. In order to facilitate absorption of the cleaning agent, a smaller ultrasonic wave may be applied to the article before applying the ultrasonic wave for explosion.
Claims23
A cleaning method using ultrasonic waves, the method comprising:
- wetting an article to be cleaned with a liquid containing microcapsules, each of the microcapsules encapsulating a gas precursor;
- and
- applying a first ultrasonic wave with first energy to the microcapsules such that the first energy of the first ultrasonic wave causes the microcapsules to expand and burst.
A cleaning system comprising:
- a container configured to receive an article to be cleaned and a cleaning agent containing microcapsules, wherein the microcapsules are configured to expand and burst when an external energy is applied thereto;
- an ultrasonic generator configured to provide an ultrasonic wave to the interior of the container;
- and
- a control device configured to select one or more energy levels of the ultrasonic wave.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.