Abstract: Automatic dishwashing detergent compositions comprising bleaching agent or enzyme, and blooming perfume composition containing blooming perfume ingredients having a boiling point of less than about 260° C. and a ClogP of at least about 3, and wherein said perfume composition comprises at least 5 different blooming perfume ingredients, and base masking perfume ingredients having a boiling point of more than about 260° and a ClogP of at least about 3. Preferred compositions comprise amylase and/or protease enzymes.

Abstract: Detergent compositions and fabric conditioning compositions which include from about 0.01% to about 5.0% by weight of a mixture of cyclic amine based polymers, oligomers or copolymers and hydrophobically modified cellulosic based polymers or oligomers.

Abstract: Compositions having improved crystallization properties and physical properties including a continuous phase of a first biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate comprising a copolymer, or a blend thereof, of at least two randomly repeating monomer units and having a melting point Tm1, and a second crystallizable biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymer or copolymer, which comprises at least one randomly repeating monomer unit and has a melting point Tm2, where Tm2 is at least about 20□C. greater than Tm1. The compositions are formed by solution or melt blending of the components and may be formed into shaped articles.

Abstract: A method for providing enhanced suds volume and suds duration in dishwashing using liquid detergent compositions comprising a polymeric material which is a suds enhancer and a suds volume extender, said compositions having increased effectiveness for preventing re-deposition of grease during hand washing are provided. The polymeric material which are suitable as suds volume and suds endurance enhancers comprise an effective amount of a quaternary nitrogen-containing monomeric unit and/or zwitterionic monomeric unit-containing polymeric suds enhancer comprise: i) units capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12; provided that said suds enhancer has an average cationic charge density of 2.

Abstract: A plasma generating apparatus and method for treating a surface of a workpiece. This apparatus comprises a power supply 100, at least one powerable electrode connected to the power supply 100, at least one groundable electrode connected to ground, a dielectric separating the at least one powerable electrode and the at least one groundable electrode, a chamber at least partially housing both the powerable electrode and the groundable electrode and a first inlet for admitting a first gas into the chamber such that the first gas can flow between the at least one powerable electrode and the at least one groundable electrode. The at least one powerable electrode and the at least one groundable electrode are disposed in an array. These electrodes are arranged to be on a common side of a workpiece, to provide a portable apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating shoes, especially leather-containing shoes, such as athletic shoes, and methods and articles of manufacture employing same to treat the shoes prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions applied to one or more shoes in need of treatment prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes for imparting a desired benefit to the shoes such as cleaning and/or conditioning and/or disinfecting and/or deodorizing.

Abstract: A method for measuring the barrier properties of naturally occurring tissue, such as the skin. The method comprises the steps of providing a probe having a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other, a voltage generator capable of supplying an increasing voltage between said electrodes, and a voltage meter capable of indicating the voltage between said electrodes. The electrodes are placed in contact with the target surface. An increasing voltage from is supplied from the voltage generator to the electrodes until current between said electrodes reaches a predetermined value. The voltage, which occurs when the current reaches the predetermined value, is noted. In another embodiment the invention comprises a device for measuring the barrier properties of the skin. The device comprises a probe. The probe has a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zwitterionic organic catalyst compound bleach systems and methods for using such bleach systems to increase color safety during laundering of fabrics, especially colored fabrics.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance having at least one detergency step, products therefor, and kits which combine treatment products for more effective results.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions, pads, wipes, and implements provide effective cleaning of hard surfaces.

Abstract: A method for determining the probability of observing an event. The event may occur either alone or in combination with one or more other events. The method may be non-combinatorial in that it does not require a separate calculation for each simultaneously occurring event, thereby significantly reducing computation time for complex systems having multiple events. Further, the method may be numerically reversed to calculate the probability of an event occurring based upon the number of observations. The method is particularly useful for predicting availability, component failure, or the possibility of a false start in production systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition having a pH of less than about 7, for treating a hard surface comprising: at least one low residue surfactant and/or an alkyl ethoxylate surfactant; and a polymeric biguanide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophobically modified polyamines and laundry detergent compositions which comprise said polyamines, said compositions comprising: A) from about 0.01%, preferably from about 0.

Abstract: The invention is an extendible liquid-applying spray arm for use with a liquid source, such as an electrical sprayer. It includes one handle and at least two tubular members which are telescopingly engaged with and slideable along one another. Sliding the tubular members extends/retracts the spray arm respectively for treating/storage or to meet particular work needs which require that said extendible spray arm has a short length. When the spray arm is collapsed, the telescopic members are at least partially arranged within the handle, so that the global length of the spray arm is less than the additional lengths of the handle and the telescopic portion. The spray arm further comprises a spray member for spraying the liquid. A flexible tube extends around the tubular members and connects to the nozzle member, which is preferably coiled around the tubular members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and/or systems for applying treatment fluid to a plurality of fabric articles in a fabric treatment apparatus. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus capable of carrying out such methods and/or systems.

Abstract: A method and device for applying sheet material, such as wallpaper, to a substrate. The applicator is bi-positionable, having a first position where the sheet material is spaced apart from the substrate and a second position where the sheet material contact the substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator may be provided with a control bar. In the first position, the control bar contacts a portion of the sheet material such as its free end. This minimizes the chance of the sheet material prematurely contacting the substrate. In the second position, the sheet material is disengaged from the control bar for application to the substrate. The applicator and sheet material may be provided together in a kit.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising, optionaly, less than about 0.5% detergent surfactat, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 10.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and allowed to stay for at least about one half minute to significantly reduce microorganism contamination. The food can be consumed without rinsing.