Abstract: A method of evaluating follicular biopsy specimens (skin samples) in order to count the number of comedones (25) present in the specimen involving the steps of applying an adhesive, in vivo, to a subject's skin; applying a microscopic slide to the adhesive covered skin; allowing the adhesive to set adhering to the slide; removing the slide with the adhesive and the skin attached thereto, thus yielding a follicular biopsy specimen; examining the specimen under a stereoscopic microscope under cross-polarized light then evaluating the specimen using image analysis hardware and software to determine the number of sebaceous plugs or comedones existing in the specimen.

Abstract: An automobile surface protectant composition containing volatile silicone which when applied to a wet surface displaces water and imparts gloss and water repellency. Preferably, the composition includes a volatile silicone fluid, an amino-functional silicone fluid, and an organopolysiloxane fluid.

Abstract: A control circuit for reducing current flow through the UV light bulb of a water purification unit when water is not flowing through the unit. In a first embodiment, the control circuit includes an RC shunt selectively connected in parallel with the UV bulb, thereby selectively adding a positive impedance in parallel with the negative impedance of the bulb. In a second embodiment, the control circuit includes an impedance selectively connected in series with the bulb ballast. In either embodiment, the impedance circuit is actuated in response to a water flow switch. When water is flowing through the unit, the impedance is removed so that full current is delivered to the bulb enhancing UV intensity. When water is not flowing through the unit, the impedance is added so that current flow is reduced.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid dishwashing detergent compositions are prepared that exhibit improved detergency performance and foam stability over a range of water hardness levels. A preferred formulation incorporates a three component mixture: an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and an amido amine oxide to provide a detergent having good detergency performance and foam stability over a range of water hardness levels. Another preferred formulation incorporates a three component mixture: an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and an alkyl ethoxylated carboxylate to provide a detergent having good detergency performance and foam stability at high hardness levels.

Abstract: A liquid cleanser composition, particularly for use as a hard surface cleanser that comprises a mixture of from about 0.5% to about 10% of a terpene selected from mono- and sesquiterpenes and mixtures thereof, from about 1% to about 10% of a water miscible solvent, and, from about 1% to about 10% of an amide surfactant. The composition can also contain from about 10% to about 70% of a water-insoluble abrasive.

Abstract: A faucet diverter valve is disclosed having three positions for delivering a stream or spray of untreated water, or a flow of treated water. The position of the faucet diverter valve is selected by means of a single rotating handle. Rotation of the handle causes a valve spool to move axially within a manifold to bring fluid flow openings in the valve spool in and out of alignment with openings in the manifold. The valve spool carries seals which direct the flow of untreated water through a straight stream outlet, a spray outlet, or to a treatment loop in which untreated water passes through a treatment device, returns to the faucet diverter valve, and exits through a treated water outlet. The treatment loop return is sealed against dripping and the introduction of air by the valve spool.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fiber fortified foodstuff that includes preparing the foodstuff and then topically applying supplemental fiber. In particular, puffed snack products are prepared by mixing cereal with a fiber premix and sufficient moisture to form an extrudable dough base. The dough base is cooked in a cooking extruder and then extruded to form a wet puff which is dried and then coated with an oil slurry. A flavor premix which includes supplemental dietary fiber, particularly a soluble fiber, is topically applied to the oil coated dry puff to form a fiber fortified, puffed snack product.

Abstract: Water spot reduction compositions containing an oxygen bleach, a proteolytic enzyme, and a polyacrylate for use in cleaning dishes and the like in a machine dishwasher. The compositions effectively reduce the presence of water spots which form on dish surfaces and the like during machine dishwashing operations.

Abstract: A final filter is provided for cleaning the cooling air drawn into the motor driven pump of a vacuum cleaner featuring a centrifugal separator. The final filter comprises a large area foam block filter and a sheet filter element received in a filter tray which is slideably received in a filter plenum disposed between the centrifugal separator and the motor/pump combination of the vacuum cleaner. The filter tray is supported horizontally within the filter plenum to define an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold having optimum flow characteristics and a detent is provided for snap locking the slideable filter tray within the filter plenum.

Abstract: The activity of a thiazolinone preservative, in an anti-dandruff shampoo containing pyrithione, is maintained by adding a stabilizer comprising a zinc compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition and a method for studying skin surface areas with simplified magnifying devices by making a replication of the skin surface area while minimizing irritation to the subject's skin, cracking of the replicas, surface artifacts, and air bubbles in the replicas. The method entails preparing a negative skin surface replica composition by mixing a silicone polysiloxane base and a biocompatible surface tension modifying agent. The mixture is placed in a vacuum desiccator to remove air bubbles and thereafter a curing agent is added to the mixture. An adhesive collar is placed on the subject's skin, which collar surrounds the surface area to be replicated, and thereafter the composition is applied to the skin surface area and the adhesive collar and allowed to dry. The negative skin surface casting is removed from the skin area and is then placed skin side up in a mold cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved conditioning shampoo composition which is stable, thoroughly cleanses the hair, and imparts improved physical and cosmetic properties to hair such as wet and dry comb, wet and dry feel, gloss, static control and manageability, yet does not cause build-up on human hair as is common with many conditioning shampoos. The shampoo composition comprises by weight 8%-20% of an anionic surfactant, 0.1%-5% of a water soluble cationic surfactant, 0.1%-8% of an insoluble, dispersed or emulsified, non-volatile silicone, and 0.5%-5% of a suspending or emulsifying nonionic surfactant such as an N-alkylated-2-pyrrolidone having a structure: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl moiety, straight chain or branched chain, including from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and water. Preferred embodiments additonally may contain from about 0.5% to about 1% by weight of a non-volatile amine-functional siloxane.

Abstract: A pressure vessel of the type used in domestic water purifying systems for the filtering of potable water, wherein an uncompromised, spherically ended cylindrical pressure vessel housing is provided which is manufactured of a very strong high quality resin and comprises two detachable major sections sealed with an O-ring and secured together through provision of a threaded annular collar; quick connect type plumbing fitments are provided at an inlet port and an outlet port of the pressure vessel housing requiring no tools to facilitate the removal and attachment thereof; a decorative plastic shell manufactured of less expensive resin is provided to encase the pressure vessel to provide structural stability and which can be fabricated to also provide aesthetic flexibility with regard to shape and color and may also provide a compartment for incorporating an electric flow meter.