Abstract: Disclosed is a system for assigning, tracking and storing equivalent emission values associated with a transaction. When a transaction takes place the system identifies the purchaser, the vendor, and at least the cost of the transaction. The system contains a database comprising a pre-selected parameter related to an emission value. The system uses this parameter to calculate the emission value of the transaction. The emission value is stored in at least one data-file contained in the system.

Abstract: Screening apparatus (101,901) for use at an overflow weir (301, 902) in a sewerage system. The apparatus comprises a continuous moving screen band (201, 902) and a band cleaning mechanism (608). A first portion (801) of the screen band is configured to move along the weir towards one of its ends, and a second portion (803) of the screen band is configured to move along the weir towards its opposite end. A steeper portion (805) of the screen band extends to an elevated position (806) above the first and second portions, and the band cleaning mechanism is arranged to remove solid matter from the screen at said elevated position.

Abstract: A method for power optimization in a vehicle/train, using time reserves which are included when planning a schedule, is proposed. In order to achieve a power-saving travel mode with the aid of an optimization algorithm, the presence of a number of completely or partially autonomous drive systems is taken into account, the separate functions of efficiency or power loss of each drive system being taken into consideration.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal. The device is provided with at least two teat cups to be connected to respective teats of the animal. The milking vacuum unit generates a milking vacuum in the teat cups, which milking vacuum unit comprises at least two vacuum lines that are each connectable to a respective teat cup. The milking vacuum unit comprises a common vacuum pump and a common buffer vessel to which vacuum can be applied by use of the common vacuum pump. All vacuum lines are connectable to the common buffer vessel. An individual buffer vessel is provided in each vacuum line and is disposed between the common buffer vessel and the respective teat cup. An individual buffer vessel is provided with a respective individual vacuum pump for applying vacuum to the individual buffer vessel.

Abstract: A device for separating milk obtained from a dairy animal. Said device is provided with a processing device, with a measuring device for measuring at least one milk variable during a milking run of a dairy animal and for issuing a signal indicative of the measured value to the processing device. The processing device is provided with a memory suitable for containing a reference value for the milk variable, and with a comparing device for comparing the measured value of the milk variable with the reference value and for issuing a comparison signal. The device separates milk in dependence on the comparison signal. The measuring device is suitable for measuring during the entire course of the milking run the value of the milk variable for obtaining a momentary measurement pattern of the milk variable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions suitable for use as sunscreens which comprise a UVA sunscreen active and a carrier suitable for application to the skin. These compositions are substantially free of benzylidene camphor derivatives and provide excellent stability, efficiency, and UV protection efficacy in a safe, economical and aesthetically appealing manner. The compositions have a Sunscreen Efficiency Index of at least about 1.75, a UVA Efficacy Value of at least about 0.5, a UVA Photostability Index of at least about 0.85, a UVB Photostability Index of at least about 0.85, and a Transparency Value of less than about 10. Methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer. The article includes a liquid-impervious, flexible backsheet adapted to face outwardly relative to the body a wearer, a liquid-pervious topsheet adapted to face the body of the wearer, and an absorbent core positioned between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet is preferably elastically extensible and includes a plurality of slits or cuts that extend through the topsheet material and that enlarge to define a plurality of openings in the topsheet when it is subjected to tensile forces as it is worn. The openings permit solid and semi-solid bodily exudates to pass through the topsheet to the absorbent core as the diaper is worn. Upon removal of the diaper from the body of the wearer the tensile forces within the topsheet are relaxed, thereby causing the openings in the topsheet to close and substantially conceal from view the bodily exudates that have passed through the topsheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid cleaning composition or shampoo comprising a surfactant system containing a dianionic or alkoxylated dianionic surfactant having a structural skeleton of at least five carbon atoms to which two anionic substituent groups spaced at least three atoms apart are attached, wherein one anionic substituent group is a sulfate group or an alkoxy-linked sulfate group and the other anionic substituent is selected from sulfate and sulfonate optionally alkoxy-linked, in combination with one or more other co-surfactants.

Abstract: A flavored instant or ready-to-drink beverage product that can deliver a rich, preferably frothy, foamy beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without sliminess, as well as a higher flavor impact at a lower dosage of solids is disclosed. These products contain a water-insoluble component that includes microparticulate component, a fat/oil component, an emulsifier, and optionally, microcrystalline cellulose; a water-soluble component that includes a soluble beverage component, a thickener, and optionally, a buffer; a foam stabilizer; and optionally, acid carbonate/bicarbonate; a sweetener; milk solids; processing aids; and flavorants; and, optionally, and preferably in ready-to-drink formulations, up to 95% water. The ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components is about 3.3 or less (i.e., the ratio of water-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater) and/or the level of water-insoluble components per unit volume of the product is at least about 0.019 g/cc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthocarbonate pro-fragrances useful for delivery of sustained perfume or fragrance to fabric treated with a laundry detergent composition which comprises the herein described pro-fragrances. The orthocarbonate pro-fragrances are also suitable for use in hard surface cleaning compositions. The orthocarbonate pro-fragrances are further suitable for use in personal care compositions. The present invention also relates to method for delivering a pleasurable scent to fabric which has a lasting freshness quality by contacting the fabric with the fragrance-releasable orthocarbonate pro-fragrances of the present invention.

Abstract: Detergent compositions comprising an amino tricarboxylic acid with a rapid rate of dissolution in a washing liquor exhibit a reduced tendency to leave calcium carbonate, lime soap and other deposits on substrates being cleaned. Dishwashing and laundry compositions comprising percarbonate bleach and methyl glycine diacetic acid are provided.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input in a discontinuous manner. The responsive system may include an open loop or a closed loop system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles, particularly sanitary napkins, pantiliners, adult incontinence products, or baby diapers. In particular the present invention relates to such disposable absorbent articles with side cuffs which are maintained in their in-use position by direct attachment to the skin of the wearer. The topical adhesive attachment of such side cuffs needs to be secure and pleasing upon application and during use of such articles, yet cause no discomfort upon removal of the article. This is achieved by the present invention selecting the rheological characteristics of adhesives for such articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer. The absorbent device comprises a main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a top surface facing toward the vestibule floor of the wearer during insertion into the interlabial space. The upper portion leads the lower portion during insertion of the absorbent device; i.e., the lower portion is spatially opposed to the upper portion, and upon insertion of the absorbent device into a wearer's interlabial space, the lower portion faces away from the vestibule floor of the wearer. Additionally, a fluid acquisition/transfer complex is positioned about and extends at least from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion. The fluid acquisition/transfer complex is configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and creases of the interlabial space of the female wearer.

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fragrance delivery system for use in laundry detergent compositions which provides a long lasting "freshness" or "clean" scent to fabric. The compositions described herein deliver highly fabric substantive .beta.-ketoester pro-fragrances to the fabric surface during laundering wherein the pro-fragrances release their fragrance raw materials over a period of up to two weeks. The present invention also relates to a method for delivering a pleasurable scent to fabric which has a lasting freshness quality by contacting the fabric with a laundry detergent composition which comprises the fragrance-releasable .beta.-ketoester pro-fragrances.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a baby diaper, a child's training pant, an adult incontinent garment, or the like, having an elasticized chassis which provides laterally oriented contractive forces about the lower torso of the wearer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent article will resemble a skirt or, alternatively, a pair of "boxer shorts".

Abstract: An improved process for making disposable diapers, and the like, having hook-and-loop fastening systems, and disposable diapers made by the improved process. The loop structure of the hook-and-loop fastening system used in this invention is substantially free of article attachment adhesive and comprises loop elements affixed to a support structure. The loop elements are deformed when the loop structure is wound onto a parent roll. At least a portion of the deformed loop elements are restored to essentially their original, undeformed, state after the loop structure is unwoundfrom the parent roll. The restoration is accomplished by contacting the loop elements with a mechanical restoration device which comprises either a brush or a scarfing surface. The brush preferably has a plurality of bristles having an average free length greater than about three times the average undeformed height of the loop elements and an average bending modulus less than the average modulus of elasticity of the loop elements.

Abstract: A method for forming a breathable film material. A film which is a blend of a thermoplastic polymer and an inorganic filler is fed between a first roll and a second roll. The first roll has a plurality of toothed regions spaced apart by a plurality of grooved regions. The toothed regions include a plurality of teeth. The second roll has a plurality of teeth which mesh with the teeth on the first roll. As the film is fed between the first roll and the second roll the portion of the film passing between the grooved regions on the first roll and the teeth on the second roll remains substantially planar forming first regions in the film while the portion of the film passing between the teeth on the first roll and the teeth on the second roll are formed into second regions having raised rib-like elements.