Abstract: Methods for producing a coiled strip of metal matrix composite (MMC) material are disclosed. The methods include a combination of hot rolling and warm rolling processes that reduce the thickness of the input material and increase its ductility. The resulting MMC strip can be coiled, which is useful for high volume coil-to-coil applications.

Abstract: An oral care composition and method are described in which the composition includes a film or a plurality of film fragments entrained in a carrier. The film or plurality of film fragments comprises a zinc compound and the carrier comprises a polysaccharide and a maleic anhydride copolymer. The composition and methods provide benefits including one or more of increased consumer acceptability, improved solubility of zinc thus permitting the use of lower amounts of zinc compounds and reducing the adverse astringency associated with zinc, decreased adverse reactions brought about by the presence of zinc ions, enhanced aesthetics, improved stability for active or other functional materials, and controlled delivery of active materials such as zinc.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning and/or polishing are provided. The compositions comprise a first abrasive, a film comprising a second abrasive, and a carrier. The carrier can be in the form of an oral care composition, a personal care composition, a household care composition, and the like. The present invention also provides methods of cleaning and/or polishing a target surface.

Abstract: A dentifrice composition containing, in combination, an orally acceptable vehicle; a halogenated diphenyl ether; a soluble zinc salt; and a chelating agent to reduce astringency.

Abstract: An oral care composition and method are described in which the composition includes a film or a plurality of film fragments entrained in a carrier. The film or plurality of film fragments comprises a zinc compound and the carrier comprises a polysaccharide and a maleic anhydride copolymer. The composition and methods provide benefits including one or more of increased consumer acceptability, improved solubility of zinc thus permitting the use of lower amounts of zinc compounds and reducing the adverse astringency associated with zinc, decreased adverse reactions brought about by the presence of zinc ions, enhanced aesthetics, improved stability for active or other functional materials, and controlled delivery of active materials such as zinc.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a dentifrice composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle; a source of zinc ions; and a polysaccharide thickening agent, the polysaccharide thickening agent having at most 0.5 charged groups per sugar residue unit along the polysaccharide backbone such as xanthan gum and/or hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Abstract: A shine guide is disclosed for use in evaluating dental surfaces. The shine guide includes a substrate having an upper surface; and a plurality of gloss sections arranged on the upper surface of the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of gloss sections has a unique reflectivity measured in gloss units. Also described is a method for evaluating shine of a dental surface and packaging for dentifrices incorporating a shine guide.

Abstract: A dual component chlorhexidine dentifrice composition of improved shelf stability in which the first component is a gel containing a bis-biguanide antibacterial agent in which the gel vehicle is thickened with a cellulose polymer and the second component is a paste containing a silica abrasive wherein the bis-biguanide antibacterial agent provides undiminished antiplaque and antigingivitis effect with reduced staining when the physically separated components are combined and mixed upon application to dental tissue.

Abstract: An automated process is provided for controlling process parameters, such as moisture content and grain feed rate, in a grain processing system. Control of process parameters may be provided by an automatic control system which receives signals from input devices, such as moisture sensors, and generates signals to control the parameters. The automatic control system may provide control signals that are feedback, feedforward, or a combination of feedback and feedforward control. Grain processing system components may include a grain conveyor, a wetting system, a steam chest, a flaking mill, a livestock pelletizer, and/or a cooler assembly.

Abstract: Belt-like traveling guide apparatus has been provided for guiding side edges of metal strip material that is being positively advanced from, for example, an uncoiling station to a second or processing station. Side pairs of idler guide rolls are employed for maintaining the material in a planar relation during its movement, and idler head and tail and upper and lower guide rollers are employed for maintaining one side face of each of a pair of continuous belts in synchronized movement engagement with opposite side edges of the material to thereby protect them and, at the same time, positively and accurately align the material during its forwardly advancing movement between the stations.