Abstract: Aqueous blood-sample diluting reagent and method of its use for compelling a morphological change in a blood sample to yield an MCV value assayed at elapsed time after the sample is drawn to be consistent within a diagnostically acceptable range with the original, immediate post-drawing MCV value. Selection of a small amount of a predetermined surfactant added within a limited range of concentration, and of a salt for adjusting osmotic pressure of the sample is thereby determined. The blood sample is treated with an anti-coagulant agent immediately post-drawing, and for assay in a particle analyzer at post-drawing elapsed time is diluted with the reagent solution. The reagent has an osmotic pressure (&pgr;) of approximately 150-400 mOsm/kg and a pH of 6.0-8.5. The surfactant is present in a 0.0005% to 0.5% concentration and has a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 10-20.

Abstract: A hot wax system for conditioning one's hands that includes a wax that is meltable at a temperature below that which would be harmful to one's skin. The molten wax is placed into an elastic glove that is stretchable to at least 150% of its original length and rebounds to at least 20% of its original length. Thereafter, one's hand is placed into the glove and the glove is manipulated to disperse the wax over all the hand surfaces. The hand is kept in the glove until the desired result is achieved--normally about five to thirty minutes. The process may be repeated with the user's other hand and wax dispersement can be accomplished simultaneously in both gloves by repetitively pressing the gloved hands together. The wax may be conveniently enclosed in a heat resistant container or within the glove itself to facilitate storage, heating and to insure that the correct amount of wax is being utilized.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail, the fingernail having the form of a thin sheet extending longitudinally forwardly between proximal and distal edges; the sheet having laterally spaced edges, and having arching curvature between the lateral edges; the proximal edge characterized by a row of serrations, certain of serrations having tapering edges of different lengths, the serrations adapted to be adhesively attached to the upper surface of a natural fingernail and to be concealed therein.

Abstract: The combination of a fingernail having adhered to the surface thereof and providing a smooth surface, a coating formed from a polymer of an acrylic monomer, a hydrocarbon solvent and a wax. The acrylic monomer can be acrylic or methacrylic. The solvent can be an alkane or alkene having 6 to 8 carbon atoms. The wax can be paraffin. Also included into the composition can be added an antioxidant and/or thickening agent.The novel method which comprises applying to a fingernail a liquid composition containing an acrylic monomer, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a wax, and allowing the composition to dry to form an adherent polymeric coating.The fingernail may be the natural fingernail alone, or together with an artificial fingernail extension.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail or tip formed of polymer plastic contains light diffusing means located only within the front distal portion, the light diffusing means including, a plurality of minute depressions within and throughout at least the upper surface of said polymer strip for providing a textured roughened surface to obtain a natural appearing contrast between the front distal portion and the back proximal portion of the nail. In an additional aspect, the appearance is further enhanced by inclusion of slight pigmentation of the plastic material.

Abstract: A highly tacky continuous, generally self-sustaining film of pressure sensitive adhesive (formed by combining two pre-formed pressure sensitive adhesive films) without any imbedded supporting film uniquely useful for the bonding of two variably curved surfaces in superposed relationship, especially where said two surfaces are a natural fingernail and a superimposed plastic artificial fingernail, the minimum thickness of said film being at least 8 mils, the maximum thickness being about 12 mils, and the minimum initial adhesion to low energy plastic surfaces of said adhesive being at least 9 as defined by 3M Guide at page 16.

Abstract: An antiperspirant composition which contains an aluminum salt, a smectite mineral and polyethyleneglycol, said composition being sprayable and in liquid form without flocculation, and the process of preparing such composition in which the aluminum salt is added to a mixture of the smectite and polyethyleneglycol.

Abstract: A facial cleanser especially useful for the removal of eye make-up is disclosed. A combination of mineral oil, certain phosphate esters and high molecular weight carboxy vinyl polymers, in the absence of water, forms a minimally irritating clear gel having a higher rinsability than mineral oil gelled by prior art methods.