US4949672A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Boron-based odor control animal litter
Assignee: Clorox Co
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Filing: 1988-06-17
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Granted: 1990-08-21
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Expires: 2008-06-17
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to an clay-based animal litter to which has been applied a liquid carrier containing a boron-containing compound in an odor-controlling effective amount. The boron-containing compound acts by antimicrobial action, controlling urease, or a combination of these mechanisms when the litter is used by the animal.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven D. Ratcliff
- 👤 Randy L. Wood
- 👤 Donald K. Swatling
- 👤 Peter C. Arbogast
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:35
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K1/00; A01K1/015; A01K1/0152; A01K1/0154; A01K1/0155
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
An odor control animal litter comprising: particles of an absorbent clay substrate, said particles being contacted with a liquid carrier containing an odor-controlling-effective amount of a boron - containing material having an equivalent boron level of a least 0.06%, said material comprising boric acid present in an amount of from 0.06% to about 50% by weight and said liquid carrier comprising an alkali metal hydroxide in solution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
An odor control animal litter comprising: particles of an absorbent clay substrate, said particles being contacted with a liquid carrier containing an odor-controlling-effective amount of a boron - containing material having an equivalent boron level of a least 0.06%, said material comprising boric acid present in an amount of from 0.06% to about 50% by weight and said liquid carrier comprising an alkali metal hydroxide in solution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 1 wherein the absorbent substrate is a clay selected from the group consisting of Georgia White clay, bentonite, montmorillonite, expanded perlites, zeolites and gypsum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 1 wherein said alkali metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 3 wherein the amount of sodium hydroxide in solution varies from about 1.0 to 20.0%, in a ratio of less than 10:1 boric acid: sodium hydroxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 1 further comprising an adjunct selected from the group consisting of dyes, further germicides, chemical deodorants, fragrances, pigments, dedusting compounds, adhesives, thickening agents, suspending agents, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 5 wherein said fragrance is selected from the group consisting of non-coated and encapsulated fragrances.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 6 further comprising a suspending and adhesive agent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 7 wherein said suspending and adhesive agent is a natural resin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 8 wherein said natural resin is xanthan gum.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of controlling odor formation in animal litter when said litters are used by animals, comprising applying to particles of an absorbent litter substrate a liquid carrier containing an odor-controlling-effective amount of a boron containing material having an equal boron level of at least about 0.06%, said material comprising boric acid and said liquid carrier comprising an alkali metal hydroxide in solution.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of controlling odor formation in animal litter when said litters are used by animals, comprising applying to particles of an absorbent litter substrate a liquid carrier containing an odor-controlling-effective amount of a boron containing material having an equal boron level of at least about 0.06%, said material comprising boric acid and said liquid carrier comprising an alkali metal hydroxide in solution.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said alkali metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the amount of sodium hydroxide in solution varies from about 1.0 to 20.0%, in a ratio of boric acid: sodium hydroxide of less than 10:1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of adding an adjunct selected from the group consisting of dyes, further germicides, chemical deodorants, fragrances, pigments, dedusting compounds, adhesives, thickening agents, suspending agents and mixtures thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising adding a suspending and adhesive agent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 14 wherein said suspending and adhesive agent is a natural resin.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said natural resin is xanthan gum.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method claim 10 carried out as a batch process.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 10 carried out as a continuous process.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
76 words
An odor control animal litter substantially free of cellulose materials comprising: (a) a portion of clay particles having a particle size range from 50 to 5600 microns; and (b) a liquid carrier containing a boron-based odor control agent intimately contacting said clay particles, said agent being boric acid present at a level of at least 0.06% equivalent boron, said liquid carrier being alkali metal hydroxide in solution which is substantially adsorbed/absorbed by said particles of (a).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
76 words
An odor control animal litter substantially free of cellulose materials comprising: (a) a portion of clay particles having a particle size range from 50 to 5600 microns; and (b) a liquid carrier containing a boron-based odor control agent intimately contacting said clay particles, said agent being boric acid present at a level of at least 0.06% equivalent boron, said liquid carrier being alkali metal hydroxide in solution which is substantially adsorbed/absorbed by said particles of (a).
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The odor control animal litter of claim 19 wherein said agent is evenly distributed throughout the litter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-08-20 | 1994-02-19 | 1994-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-20 | 1998-02-19 | 1998-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-20 | 2002-02-19 | 2002-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |