Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) at least one cationic, functionalized nano-particle; and (b) an applied care composition. Additionally, a composition comprising: (a) at least one anionic, functionalized nano-particle; and (b) an applied care composition.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for use in a dynamic electrostatic air filter, in which the nozzle includes an internal electrode that charges a semiconductive liquid, and includes an external electrode that assists in breaking the liquid into droplets in a predetermined direction. Banks of multiple nozzles are also disclosed, which are separated by a charged “separation electrode” to prevent interference with spray patterns between adjacent banks. An electrostatic fountain is also disclosed which discharges a fragrance, or an inhalable medicine.

Abstract: A device for providing an indication of moisture present in skin of a user includes a device body including a skin contact portion. A sensor circuit is located in the device body. The sensor circuit is configured to produce an output signal having a signal value that corresponds to moisture level in the skin with the skin contact portion in contact with the skin at a skin measurement location. A controller is in communication with the sensor circuit and is configured to determine the signal value of the output signal. The controller stores a first signal value in memory corresponding to a first output signal produced with the skin contact portion in contact with the skin of the user at a first skin measurement location. The controller stores a second signal value in memory corresponding to a second output signal generated with the contact portion in contact with the skin of the user at a second skin measurement location different from the first skin measurement location.

Abstract: The invention concerns single and multiple cell lithium ion batteries. Embodiments of the invention concern single and multiple cell lithium ion batteries with built-in controllers that monitor the cell or cells and provide a safety disconnect when certain monitored conditions are detected by the controller. Preferred embodiment single and multiple cell lithium ion batteries have their cell or cells within a container having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The built-in controller monitors the cell or cell for each of the following conditions: over temperature, short-circuit, overcharge, and over-discharge and the controller provides a safety disconnect when one of the monitored conditions exist.

Abstract: A method of assessing damage of a fibrous substrate comprises the steps of: (a) providing said fibrous substrate having a length, a root end, and a tip end; (b) providing a means for assessing substrate moisture content; (c) using said means for assessing substrate moisture content to obtain at least a first measured moisture content value for said fibrous substrate at a first position along the length of said fibrous substrate and a second measured moisture content value for said fibrous substrate at a second position along the length of said fibrous substrate; (d) comparing said measured moisture content values with each other to obtain a measured moisture content differential; and (e) correlating said measured moisture content differential to a substrate damage value for said fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A responsive coated substrate, said substrate comprising an interfacial surface to which a responsive coating attaches, said responsive coating comprising (a) at least one silicone-based, substantially hydrophobic polymer and (b) at least one substantially hydrophilic polymer wherein said responsive coating substrate is in a first state; and methods of coating the same.

Abstract: Methods provide for measuring moisture content of skin, such as the scalp. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a means for measuring skin moisture content; (b) using said means for measuring skin moisture content to obtain at least two measured moisture content values from skin; (c) comparing said at least two measured moisture content values with each other to obtain a measured moisture content differential; and (d) correlating said measured moisture content differential to a skin moisture value for said skin.

Abstract: Methods provide for measuring moisture content of skin, such as the scalp. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a means for measuring skin moisture content; (b) using the means for measuring skin moisture content to obtain at least one measured moisture content value for the skin; (c) correlating the measured moisture content value to a skin moisture value for the skin; and (d) using the skin moisture value to assess health state of the skin.

Abstract: A responsive coated particle comprising at least one particle comprising an interfacial surface to which a responsive coating attaches, said responsive coating comprising (a) at least one silicone-based, substantially hydrophobic polymer and (b) at least one substantially hydrophilic polymer wherein said responsive coating particle is in a first state.

Abstract: A device for providing an indication of moisture present in skin of a user includes a device body including a skin contact portion. A sensor circuit is located in the device body. The sensor circuit is configured to produce an output signal having a signal value that corresponds to moisture level in the skin with the skin contact portion in contact with the skin at a skin measurement location. A controller is in communication with the sensor circuit and is configured to determine the signal value of the output signal. The controller stores a first signal value in memory corresponding to a first output signal produced with the skin contact portion in contact with the skin of the user at a first skin measurement location. The controller stores a second signal value in memory corresponding to a second output signal generated with the contact portion in contact with the skin of the user at a second skin measurement location different from the first skin measurement location.

Abstract: A power converter for coupling an energy source to a load device comprising a selectively coupled output stage to deliver energy from an energy source to a load device, a controller coupled to the output stage, an output stage, a capacitive element coupled to the output terminals, a rectifying element, and a switch responsive to a control signal from the controller. The rectifying element and switch are coupled to the inductive and capacitive elements. The controller is responsive to input signals for generating the control signal to open the switch in a first state and close the switch in a second state. The input signals to the controller produce one or more output voltages across the output terminals, an input voltage across the input terminals, a selectable reference voltage and a feedback signal measured with respect to the inductive element.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the moisture content of skin, such as the scalp. The device comprises (a) a body portion containing a sensor circuit therein, said sensor circuit operable to generate a signal correlated to the moisture content of said scalp, said body portion having a first color; (b) a removable cover attached to said body portion, said cover having a second color; and (c) said first color and said second color match a color scheme of a personal care product thereby signaling at least one performance characteristic of said device.

Abstract: Methods provide for measuring scalp moisture content of a consumer. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method comprising the steps of: (a) collecting input information from said consumer regarding a plurality of characteristics associated with hair and scalp condition of said consumer; (b) providing a moisture meter for measuring said scalp moisture content; (c) using said meter to obtain at least two measured moisture content values from head of said consumer; (d) using said input information collected in step (a) and said measured moisture content values obtained in step (c) to recommend at least one hair care product that will be effective for said consumer in improving health for said hair and scalp of said consumer; and (e) providing said consumer with information regarding said at least one hair care product thereby allowing said consumer to use said at least one hair care product to provide optimum health for said hair and scalp of said consumer.

Abstract: A nozzle spray head is provided for use in a dynamic electrostatic air filter, in which the nozzle spray head assembly exhibits multiple nozzle orifices as outlet ports, which extend from the bottom of the nozzle body such that the distances between the outlet ports and a target member are not constant. The charged multiple outlet ports exhibit a more uniform electric field at their tips, thereby enabling a better and more uniform spray pattern to be emitted by each of the individual outlet ports. In one embodiment, the outlet ports are grouped in concentric circles, in which the innermost circle comprises outlet ports of the greatest lengths, and the outermost circle comprises outlet ports of the smallest lengths.

Abstract: Discrete particle aggregates and/or discrete particle agglomerates for application onto keratin fibers, preferably hair, optionally combined with one or more oxidative and/or direct dyes.

Abstract: An improved method is provided to enhance skin appearance and health, in which skin is cleaned (or exfoliated) and conditioned by use of microelements affixed to a base element or hand-held patch. For the microstructure used in the improved method, the dimensions of the microelements are controlled so as to remove a certain number of layers of skin cells and to accumulate and retain those skin cells, along with other foreign substances, into areas between the microelements. In another embodiment of the improved method, a conditioning compound or therapeutic active can be applied to the exfoliated skin to enhance the skin. Moreover, the amount of skin cells accumulated using the improved method represents a self-limiting maximum quantity that cannot be substantially exceeded regardless of the number of attempts by a user to re-use the microstructure apparatus associated with the improved method.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to deliver a composition, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical composition or active, through the stratum corneum of skin, without introducing bleeding or damage to tissue, and absent pain or other trauma. The dimensions and shapes of the microelements are controlled so as to control the penetration depth into the skin. The microelements can be “hollow” such that passageways are created therethrough to allow the composition to flow from a chamber, through the microelements, and into the skin. Alternatively, the microelements can be “solid,” and the composition is applied directly to the skin just before or just after the microelements are applied to the skin surface to create the openings in the stratum corneum.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to enhance skin appearance and health, in which skin is cleaned (or exfoliated) and conditioned by use of microelements affixed to a base element or hand-held patch. The dimensions of the microelements are controlled so as to remove a certain number of layers of skin cells and to accumulate those skin cells, along with other foreign substances, into areas between the microelements. In addition, a conditioning compound or therapeutic active can be applied to the exfoliated skin to enhance the skin. Moreover, the amount of accumulated skin cells represents a self-limiting maximum quantity that cannot be substantially exceeded regardless of the number of attempts by a user to re-use the microstructure apparatus. Some of the microelement shapes are purposefully designed with distal ends that exhibit sharp edges rather than sharp tips to reduce skin irritation.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein, a shutter located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein, a drive mechanism for causing the shutter to move laterally with respect to the body portion so that the spaced openings of the shutter are brought into and out of alignment with the spaced openings of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in an open position and a closed position, respectively, and, a latching mechanism for preventing the shutter from moving laterally with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to deliver a composition, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical composition or active, through the stratum corneum of skin, without introducing bleeding or damage to tissue, and absent pain or other trauma. The dimensions and shapes of the microelements are controlled so as to control the penetration depth into the skin. The microelements can be “hollow” such that passageways are created therethrough to allow the composition to flow from a chamber, through the microelements, and into the skin. Alternatively, the microelements can be “solid,” and the composition is applied directly to the skin just before or just after the microelements are applied to the skin surface to create the openings in the stratum corneum.