Abstract: Ingestible pharmaceutical compositions comprising pharmaceutical actives useful for treating upper gastrointestinal tract distress (e.g., antacid agents) and 3-1-menthoxy propane 1,2-diol in amounts effective for providing a cooling sensation to the throat.

Abstract: Psyllium husk-containing drink mix compositions comprising small particle size psyllium husk and edible, water soluble salts. The edible, water soluble salts are present at a level sufficient to reduce the gellation rate of the psyllium husk when dispersed in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Processes for dehusking psyllium seeds to obtain high yields of high purity psyllium seed husk. These processes comprise milling intact psyllium seeds in a mill which causes the husk to be fragmented by collision under conditions whereby the husk is fractured and separated from the non-husk portion of the psyllium seed without substantial breakage and size reduction of the non-husk portion. Preferred milling utilizes impact speeds within the range of from about 5 m/sec to about 40 m/sec.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laxative compositions comprising psyllium and sennoside wherein sennoside is dispersed in a palatable food grade fat having a melting point within the range of from about 30.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Processes for sanitizing materials, especially psyllium, using superheated steam maintained at a relatively constant low level of superheat. These processes are very effective for sanitizing materials, and can produce commercially sterile materials. Furthermore, these processes can be used to produce highly pure, commercially sterile psyllium having substantially intact cell structure.

Abstract: Processes for selectively comminuting impure psyllium seed husk. These processes comprise milling impure psyllium seed husk in a mill which causes the husk to be fragmented by collision under conditions whereby the mean particle size of the husk material is reduced relatively more than the mean particle size of the non-husk material. In addition, processes for purifying selectively comminuted psyllium seed husk are described.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improve the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature comprises an "expansive tummy panel" that is capable of expanding well- beyond the dimensions of the absorbent article set by the primary fastening system (and the original dimensions of the end edge) so as to accommodate wearers, especially large infants, with large expansile waists so as to reduce the sagging/slipping of the absorbent article. The extension forces of the elasticized waistband are lower than the extension forces of the elasticized side panels so as to accommodate such expansion. In preferred embodiments of the elastic waist feature, the elasticized waistband is formed from a stretch laminate.

Abstract: Oral pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form suitable for swallowing (especially capsules) comprising a safe and effective amount of solid Colloidal Bismuth Subcitrate (CBS), and optionally one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier materials, wherein the packing density of the dosage unit is less than about 1 g/ml.

Abstract: Disclosed are individualized, crosslinked fibers, and process for making such fibers. The individualized, crosslinked fibers have a C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agent reacted with the fibers in the form of intrafiber crosslink bonds. Preferably, the crosslinking agent is citric acid, and preferably, between about 0.5 mole % and about 10.0 mole % of the crosslinking agent reacts to form the intrafiber crosslink bonds. The individualized, crosslinked fibers are useful in a variety of absorbent structure applications.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for incrementally stretching "zero strain" stretch laminate webs to impart elasticity thereto in the direction of initial stretching, at least up to the point of initial stretching. The "zero strain" stretch laminate material is formed of at least two plies of material which are either intermittently or substantially continuously secured to one another along at least a portion of their coextensive surfaces while in a substantially untensioned ("zero strain") condition. One of the plies is stretchable and elastomeric, while the second ply is elongatable, but not necessarily elastomeric. The second ply will, upon stretching of the laminate, be at least to a degree permanently elongated so that, upon release of the applied tensile forces, it will not return to its original undistorted configuration.

Abstract: A method of making toothbrushes having bristle tufts with ends in two or more distinct planes, all of said bristle tufts having individual bristles which are substantially uniformly rounded at their free ends. The method of making is a repeated sequence of steps used to attach all of the bristle tufts of the shortest overall length followed by cutting and end rounding of the individual bristles in the first group of tufts while all of the free ends of the bristles are in a first plane. This is done prior to affixing the next group of bristle tufts of greater overall length. The cutting and end rounding sequence is thereafter repeated for each ascending bristle tuft elevation. The final toothbrush bristle contour is a function of the pattern of attachment for each bristle tuft elevation.

Abstract: This invention relates to fruit juice product, and in particular to a citrus juice product which has a high total dietary fiber content. The fiber is derived from pulp juice sacs of citrus fruit and does not have any papery off-flavors or gritty taste. The juice product is not viscous and does not gel.

Abstract: A bag in squeeze bottle fluid dispenser capable of dispensing substantially all of the fluid product contained therein. A suitable bag support element is inserted inside the flexible bag to prevent substantial axial movement of the bag in the direction of its discharge orifice and to encourage radial collapse of the bag instead. The internal bag support means, which in a preferred embodiment comprises an extruded plastic helix, has an internal fluid passage formed within the coils of the helix and fluid communication to allow fluid contained within the bag to access the internal fluid passage along substantially the entire length of the internal bag support element. Thus, radial collapse of the flexible bag does not block the passage of fluid remaining in the bag through the discharge orifice in the bag until substantially all of the fluid contained within the bag has been dispensed.

Abstract: A "zero strain" stretch laminate web exhibiting a non-uniform degree of elasticity, as measured in the direction of elasticization at various points along an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of elasticization. Improved method and apparatus for non-uniformly stretching "zero strain" stretch laminate webs to impart elasticity thereto in the direction of stretching, at least up to the point of initial stretching are also disclosed. The "zero strain" stretch laminate material is formed of at least two plies of material which are either intermittently or substantially continuously secured to one another along at least a portion of their coextensive surfaces while in a substantially untensioned ("zero strain") condition. One of the plies is stretchable and elastomeric, while the second ply is elongatable, but not necessarily elastomeric.

Abstract: Perfume particles comprise perfume dispersed within certain water-insoluble nonpolymeric carrier materials and encapsulated in a protective shell by coating with a friable coating material. The coated particles allow for preservation and protection of perfumes which are susceptible to degradation or loss in storage and in cleaning compositions. In use, the surface coating fractures and the underlying carrier/perfume particles efficiently deliver a large variety of perfume types to fabrics or other surfaces.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a unique elastic waist feature improving dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone. The waistband flexural hinge zone is predisposed to allow the panel zones to flexurally bend about a defined axis or zone is resilient to provide a restoring force/moment that returns the panel zones to their preceding in-use configuration, especially when the elasticized waistband has been pretensioned by a closure system.

Abstract: Psyllium husk comprising particle sizes distributed such that: less than about 15% is larger than about 80 mesh, at least about 45% is within the range of from about 80 mesh to about 200 mesh, and less than about 40% is smaller than about 200 mesh. In addition, psyllium-containing products for oral administration comprising small particle size psyllium husk according to the present invention are described.

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: A toothbrush employing a force indicator which visually and tactually signals the user that a predetermined brushing force has been exceeded. The force indicator is comprised of a resilient twin beam structure located between the toothbrush handle and the toothbrush head which includes a scrubbing or polishing medium, typically bristles. The twin beam structure is itself comprised of a back side beam and a face side beam. During normal use, the back side beam is subjected to compressive stress whereas the face side beam is subjected to tensile stress. The at rest configuration of the back side beam permits it to behave as an upwardly convex arch upon initial application of compressive force resulting from a user gripping the handle and bringing the bristles or other cleansing or scrubbing medium in contact with the teeth and gums. When a predetermined force is exceeded, the back side beam resiliently buckles and inverts to a downwardly convex arch configuration.

Abstract: Extrusion-cooked snack chips, comprising from about 65% to about 90% by weight of cereal material, from about 10% to about 35% by weight of fat, and from about 0.2% to about 3.0% by weight of water. A process for producing these chips is also disclosed.