Abstract: An interface for an in-line chromatograph mass spectrometer includes a mixing tee having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet with the first inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the chromatograph; a back pressure regulator having an inlet and an outlet with the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the mixing tee; a coaxial splitter having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the inlet of the coaxial splitter is in fluid communication with the outlet of the pressure regulator; a mass spectrometer having an inlet in fluid communication with the first outlet of the coaxial splitter. The interface regulates the flow into the spectrometer without undesirably increasing any back pressure to the chromatograph.

Abstract: A cleaning and protectant composition for automotive painted surfaces is provided. The composition includes a low-foaming nonionic surfactant, a silicone antifoam emulsion, and a volatile silicone fluid. A method of cleaning and protecting an automotive surface includes applying the composition to the surface.

Abstract: A coffee maker having interchangeable carafes, a serial heating system, and a centrifugal brewing system. The coffee maker includes a glass carafe and a thermal carafe, either of which interchangeably fits within a carafe cavity. The presence of the glass carafe activates a heating element positioned under the carafe. The thermal carafe does not. The centrifugal brewing system includes a showerhead for distributing water at radially spaced locations over a rotating grounds basket. The control for the serial heating system activates and deactivates the heating element to allow for heat transfer between heated and unheated portions of the water. In an alternative embodiment including a batch water heating system, the coffee maker includes a modular distributor secured to the bottom of the water heating vessel by a hand-actuated bayonet mount for easy cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A powdered laundry detergent is provided with (a) a powder laundry detergent base that includes an inorganic carrier and a surfactant and (b) post-added acidulant and discrete whitening agent particles to provide a detergent having improved cool water solubility with bulk color deterioration caused by whitening agents being minimized. The detergent includes from about 5% to about 80% of an inorganic carrier, from about 1% to about 90% of a detergent surfactant, from about 0.1% up to about 15% of an acidulant and from about 0.1% up to about 30% of the discrete whitening agent particles. The acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 8%, preferably not greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C. The whitening agent particles include a whitening agent and a surfactant.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes mercaptodextran. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can include one or more whitening agents in combination with mercaptodextran to achieve enhanced whitening effect. A method of whitening human skin includes topically applying to the skin mercaptodextran in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to visibly whiten the skin. The method includes incorporating mercaptodextran with known whitening agents and applying to the skin in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to visibly whiten the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for topical use comprising a organic acid and acerola cherry fermentate. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the rate of skin desquamation by incorporating acerola cherry fermentate into a composition containing an organic acid. The composition can be topically applied.

Abstract: A cooking set including an perforated inset and a support ring. The support ring is adapted to fit within and rest upon the rim of a conventional cooking pot or dutch oven to support the inset at various heights. The inset is adapted to fit within the support ring so that it can be lowered into and raised out of the pot. The support ring defines a set of notches and the inset includes a set of corresponding protrusions. When the notches and protrusions are aligned, the inset can be lowered into and raised out of the pot. When the protrusions are not aligned with the notches, they can engage and rest upon the support ring to support the inset in a raised position. In the most preferred embodiment, the inset includes multiple sets of protrusions, each set positioned at a different height along the wall of the inset. Each set of protrusions permits the inset to be supported at a different height.

Abstract: A tableted household cleaning composition for cleaning glass and other hard surfaces and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The cleaning composition is in tablet form and includes an acidic component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, their salts and mixtures thereof; a basic component selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates and mixtures thereof; and polyvinyl alcohol.