Abstract: Lightweight composite particles, primarily comprising various bentonite clays, but which may include other functional solid particles, are formed by introducing expanding gases or air into the particle forming process. The methods presented create the ability to reduce the bulk density of the composite particles while maintaining and in some cases even increasing the particle strength.

Abstract: Methods, treatment compositions and treatment systems are disclosed for forming a detachable and renewable coating on a receptive surface by a process of applying a treatment composition comprising a plurality of hydrophobically modified fumed silica particles colloidally dispersed in a volatile solvent; allowing the volatile solvent to evaporate; and thereby depositing a protective coating on the receptive surface consisting of a layer of the hydrophobically modified particles, which provide a substantially transparent coating with dirt- and water-repellency properties that effectively shed dry particulate soils as well as water from the treated surface or treated article bearing a receptive surface.

Abstract: A moisturizing, personal cleansing composition with a limited number of naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS), biodegradable ingredients comprising a plurality of oleosomes, an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, a lipoaminoacidic surfactant, and a humectant. The personal cleansing composition optionally contains a fragrance, vitamin, essential oil, thickener, exfoliant, preservative, plant extract and other beneficial naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS), biodegradable ingredients such as royal jelly. The moisturizing, personal cleansing composition cleanses and moisturizes as well as or better than commercial compositions containing synthetically derived cleansing and moisturizing agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pan agglomeration process for forming porous absorbent particles suitable for use as an animal litter. The process eliminates the need for a pre-wetting step, while forming agglomerates that are up to 65% lighter in weight than the raw material feed. In addition, the agglomerates can incorporate performance-enhancing actives, such as odor-controlling carbon.

Abstract: A moisturizing, personal cleansing composition with a limited number of naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS), biodegradable ingredients comprising a plurality of oleosomes, an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, a lipoaminoacidic surfactant, and a humectant. The personal cleansing composition optionally contains a fragrance, vitamin, essential oil, thickener, exfoliant, preservative, plant extract and other beneficial naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS), biodegradable ingredients such as royal jelly. The moisturizing, personal cleansing composition cleanses and moisturizes as well as or better than commercial compositions containing synthetically derived cleansing and moisturizing agents.

Abstract: Lightweight composite particles, primarily comprising various bentonite clays, but which may include other functional solid particles, are formed by introducing expanding gases or air into the particle forming process. The methods presented create the ability to reduce the bulk density of the composite particles while maintaining and in some cases even increasing the particle strength.

Abstract: Composites and methods for making the same. A mixture of clay material and a light-weighting material is formed into a composite particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the composite particle material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Preferred methods for creating the composites include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: A system for detecting protein in mammalian urine is disclosed herein. Phloxine B buffered between pH 2-2.5 undergoes a color change from colorless to red in the presence of protein. Disclosed herein are animal litter compositions and additives comprising Phloxine B and a protein-sequestering agent buffered at a pH below about 3 which detect the presence of protein at levels indicative of ill-health in feline urine.

Abstract: A litter composition comprising a substantially particulate primary absorbent material and a binding agent, the binding agent comprising approximately 0.01%-40% of the litter composition. In one embodiment, the primary absorbent material comprises silica gel and the binding agent comprises a galactomannan. In additional embodiments, the litter composition also includes at least one of the following components: fixing agent, colorant agent, anti-bacterial agent, fragrance and/or supplemental absorbent material.

Abstract: A container (110) including a closure device (121) is disclosed. The closure device (121) includes a pair of interlocking fastening strips (130, 132) and a slider (134) for occluding and deoccluding the fastening strips (130, 132). The fastening strips (130, 132) are interlocked when the slider (134) is at a first end (136). The slider (134) includes a separator (192) that is configured to urge the fastening strips (130, 132) to wrap around the separator (192) to provide a seal when the slider (134) is at the first end (136) of the fastening strips (130, 132). The slider (134) can include a nose portion (252) for latching the slider (134) at the first end (136) of the fastening strips (130, 132). The slider (134) can include a valve (198). The slider (134) can have different configurations.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to interlocking closure devices including two closure elements arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length. The closure elements permit the venting of fluids when the closure elements are in their occluded vented position. The closure elements have an occluded closed position which creates a seal and prevents fluids from passing between the interlocking closure elements. The closure fastening device may be utilized with a flexible container and is advantageous in permitting a user to vent excess air from the interior of the flexible container prior to sealing the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal hydride fuel storage cartridge having integrated resistive heaters that can be used in conjunction with fuel cells such as MEMS-based fuel cells. The cartridge is fabricated using micromachining methods and thin/thick film materials synthesis techniques.

Abstract: A method to convert surplus nitroarene explosives into trinitrophloroglucinol and triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) is described. Picric acid is directly aminated to diaminopicric acid, which is converted to trinitrophloroglucinol and triaminotrinitrobenzene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and product for mitigating or eliminating pet malodor(s) with an aqueous liquid deodorizing composition, the composition containing about at least 0.01% to about 10% of an dialkali metal tetraborate n-hydrate (with n being an integer from 0 to 10), 0.1–3% water soluble/dispersible polymer, 1–25% water soluble/dispersible volatile solvent, at least 75% water.