Abstract: A collapsible pump chamber includes several functional elements of a pump device. For example, the collapsible pump chamber may be a bellows which includes a functional element of an outlet valve, a functional element of a biasing feature, and a functional element of a spin chamber. Consequently, a functional element of all of the downstream functions are incorporated into the bellows. This can significantly reduce costs; due to reduced tooling, and assembly, for example. Since it can be desirable to separate these functions (e.g., to achieve more consistent spray quality), a process is described for severing functions from the multiple function collapsible pump chamber during the assembly of the pump device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved atomization system for dispensing and atomizing a fluid product having film-forming characteristics. The atomization system includes a nozzle for atomizing the fluid product which has been formed of a reduced wettability composition including a base material and a wettability-reducing component for reducing the wettability of the base material with the fluid product. The reduced-wettability attribute ensures that the product will tend to "bead up" on the surfaces of the nozzle assembly rather than wetting or coating the surfaces. The surfaces will thus tend to repel the product, once the supply pressure driving the fluid toward the nozzle is relieved, leaving the critical nozzle surfaces substantially free of a film of product which would tend to dry and form a residue on the critical nozzle surfaces when exposed to atmospheric air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved product dispensers for various spreadable products, including fluids, suspensions, lotions, creams, emulsions, and gels. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser is in the form of an improved roll-on type applicator with an enlarged application/distribution surface in the form of a dome with an aperture for exposing a portion of the rotating element. As product is expressed from the gap between the element and dome, it follows the surface of the element into contact with the desired surface and is thereby applied to this surface. Excess product not applied to the desired surface by the element either follows the element surface through the gap between the element and the dome back into the container or is sheared from the element surface by the edge of the aperture in the dome.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high-density granular detergent product by dry neutralizing alkylbenzene sulfonic acid with a particulate mixture of a water-soluble alkaline inorganic material, for example, sodium carbonate, and a hydratable inorganic detergent builder in an apparatus which provides both mixing and shearing of the particulate mixture, e.g. a V-Blender, thereby forming the granular detergent product. The process includes the addition of particles of pH sensitive detergent surfactant, such as alkyl sulfate, into the particulate mixture prior to the addition of the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. The high-density product has good product homogeneity and surfactant solubility, and essentially no reversion of the alkyl sulfate to the corresponding fatty alcohol due to acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. Other pH sensitive detergent surfactants include alpha-sulfonated fatty acid alkyl ester and polyhydroxy fatty acid amides.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved closure arrangements which are durable in construction, yet easy to open and reclose, and which provide an initial hermetic seal with tamper evidency, all utilizing a one-piece lid design. In two embodiments according to the present invention, unique combinations of a mechanical interlocking closure system, heat-sealing or bonding, and a weakened failure zone are employed in the vicinity of the lid/container juncture to achieve these desirable characteristics. In a third embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical interlocking and sealing arrangement is utilized to achieve hermetic sealing of the container without the need for a heat seal or bonded region, and a weakened failure zone is located just inward of the mechanical interlocking connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually operated dispensing system for dispensing a liquid product in atomized or foam form. More particularly, the present invention provides an improved manually operated pump to for use in such dispensing systems which incorporates at least one collapsible bellows as a pump chamber. The use of a bellows as the air chamber in an air/liquid pump mechanism allows the pressure/volume profile of the air supply to be tailored to supply the desired air/liquid ratio throughout the travel of the pump mechanism. The shape of the air bellows is preferably selected to provide an is initially large volume reduction in the air chamber as the bellows collapses to provide a rapid rise in air pressure available for dispensing. In a preferred embodiment, dual bellows are utilized (one for liquid, one for air) in a concentric arrangement to allow the pressure/volume profile for each to be tailored to achieve the desired spray or foam characteristics.

Abstract: Foam dispensing nozzles and manually actuable foam dispensers for producing and dispensing improved foams made from a foamable liquid and gas. The foam dispensing nozzles include a velocity decreasing structure so that the average foam velocity through the foam refining apparatus does not exceed a certain value.

Abstract: A method of delivering ephedrine base in vapor form from a composition containing the ephedrine base and an alkyl salicylate. Methyl salicylate is the preferred alkyl salicylate. Optional ingredients in the composition include aromatic compounds such as menthol, camphor, and various other essential oils. The method is particularly useful in the treatment of nasal congestion and bronchial asthma. A preferred means of delivering the ephedrine base in vapor form in the treatment of nasal congestion and bronchial asthma is a vapor inhaler.

Abstract: A dispensing package for gel and semi-solid cleaning and skin care compositions. The package comprises a container for the product and a dispensing sheet that rests on and adheres to the surface of the product. Optionally, a lid for the container is provided. The dispensing sheet is provided with apertures through which the product flows when pressure is applied to the dispensing sheet. The dispensing sheet preferably has apertures along its edge which define petals. The dispensing sheet controls the quantity of product dispensed onto the fingers or a sponge, thereby providing decreased mess and product waste, along with improved aesthetics. The package is particularly useful for gel dishwashing products.

Abstract: The laundry detergent bars of the present invention comprise from about 10% to about 60% by weight anionic surfactant, from about 5% to about 60% by weight detergent builder, and from about 0.75% to about 10% by weight fatty alcohol having an alkyl chain containing from 10 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises alkylbenzene sulfonate having a linear or branched alkyl chain, or mixture thereof of from 10 to 22 carbons atoms, and alkyl sulfate having an alkyl chain of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, where the weight ratio of alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant to alkyl sulfate surfactant is from 9:1 to 1:9. The laundry detergent bars are substantially free of fatty acid. By "substantially free of fatty acid" is meant less than about 1% of C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 fatty acid.