Abstract: It has been found that by incorporating a polymer made from vinyl dicarboxylic acid monomers into a liquid laundry detergent composition, the composition can include at least about 30 wt. % water, and be useful in a liquid-containing water-soluble unit dose pouch.

Abstract: An anhydrous composition comprising a liquid phase, a dispersed solid phase and a processed clay mixture. The composition has a minimum amount of water and is surprisingly stable during its long-term storage, with no phase separation and minimal activated oxygen loss.

Abstract: Polymers are infused with carbonates, such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of carbonate, bicarbonate and sesquicarbonate, alone or in combination. The carbonates are soluble, soft, and have been infused within the polymeric material in a sufficient amount to provide an alkaline aqueous environment to inhibit microbes when the polymeric material is contacted with water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to diagnostic test devices that provide increased comfort and ease of use. The diagnostic test device can include a test member, such as a lateral flow assay test strip. The test device can further comprise a housing that comprises a substantially arch shaped handle. The housing of the test device can comprise a base member that is attached to a curved lower surface of the housing and that can improve stability of the device in an upward facing position as well as enable angled positioning of the device relative to a flat, horizontal surface. The curvature of the test device in particular can provide secure handling of the device while also improving ease and comfort of use thereof. The disclosure further relates to methods of determining the presence of an analyte in a fluid sample and methods for evaluating a test result of a personal use diagnostic test device.

Abstract: Test kits for assessing male fertility include a sample holder containing at least one sample chamber, a laser light source, and a light detector to detect scattered light intensity from the sample chamber. The sample holder may include multiple sample chambers connected by sperm swim channels. The test kit may have a housing with a maximum linear dimension of no more than 100 mm. Processing circuitry may be provided that is configured to produce a sperm count and/or sperm motility measurements by processing data from scattered light intensity measurements.

Abstract: Test kits for assessing male fertility include a sample holder defining an object plane, a lens, and a two dimensional light sensor defining an image plane arranged along a common linear axis. The distance between the object plane and the image plane may be no more than 50 mm, and may be no more than 30 mm. A lens aperture may have an area of 1-10 mm2. The test kit may have a housing with a maximum linear dimension of no more than 100 mm. Processing circuitry may be provided that is configured to produce a sperm count and/or sperm motility measurements by processing image data from the two-dimensional light sensor.

Abstract: An improved electronic diagnostic device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a casing having a display, a test strip mounted in the casing, a processor mounted in the casing, and a first sensor mounted in the casing and operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the first sensor when the device is exposed to ambient light thereby causing the device to become activated. The device includes a light shield that exerts pressure across a width of the test strip to prevent fluid channeling along the length of the test strip. The processor is configured to present an early positive test result reading when a measured value exceeds a predetermined early reading threshold value at any time after a predetermined early testing time period.

Abstract: An electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a display. The display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The system includes lights which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the display otherwise, No? is displayed on the display.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a diagnostic test kit that assesses ovarian reserve by measuring Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in a liquid sample. The sample can be deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a detectable label thereon and a capture medium, including a test site, in fluid communication with the release medium and formed of a second, different material.

Abstract: A boundary layer carbonation process for producing sodium bicarbonate crystals having specific surface area in the range 0.4 m2/g to 2.5 m2/g from Trona, wherein in one embodiment the process comprises the steps of: providing Trona particles having a particle size range of ?4 +120 mesh; pre-wetting the Trona particles with water to provide a plurality of pre-wetted Trona particles each having a liquid water solution boundary layer deposited thereon; and carbonating the pre-wetted Trona particles across the water boundary layer to provide a product comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals.

Abstract: Textiles coated with aqueous compositions of silane quaternary ammonium compounds and alkali metal bicarbonates are provided with deodorization properties and protection from allergens, irritants, molds, dust mites, bacteria, and fungi.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a high performance clay-based animal litter that is comprised of a clay-based liquid-absorbing material, and at least one filler coated with at least one clumping agent. The particle size of the liquid-absorbing material is small and provides the litter with a “sandy” appearance. The high performance litter is found to be surprisingly effective in containing odors and reducing tracking and dusting. It does not contain foaming agents and/or acids to trigger foaming, and does not utilize foams to block odors.

Abstract: The invention is an electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a LCD display. The LCD display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The electronic processing system includes red and green LEDs which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the LCD. If not, No? is displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the enhanced production of ethanol from fermentation using an ethanol producing microorganism. In particular, the present invention provides a process for the enhanced growth and metabolism of an ethanol producing microorganism (e.g., yeast), for the purpose of increasing or enhancing ethanol production, both in terms of total ethanol produced and in terms of the time required for ethanol producing microorganisms to convert carbohydrates and/or sugars to end products (i.e., ethanol). In accordance with this invention bicarbonate ions are used to enhance ethanol fermentation and/or reduce the time required for ethanol producing microorganisms to convert carbohydrates and/or sugars to end products, i.e., ethanol. The present invention can also be used for enhancing fermentation end products in, for example, the fuel ethanol, industrial, cheese, brewing, and wine making industries.

Abstract: The invention is an electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a LCD display. The LCD display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The electronic processing system includes red and green LEDs which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the LCD. If not, No? is displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: A two-phase paint and ink stripper composition comprises an aqueous phase containing a basic activator in the form of an amino-alkyl-alkanol and an organic phase which contains an alkylene carbonate and organic solvents. The paint stripper composition of the present invention is free from methylene chloride and does not contain monoethanol amine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastomeric composition for making elastomeric articles having at least one layer, such as but not limited to condoms, which have a deformation stress or modulus below about 1.5 MPa at 500% extension, comprising at least one polymeric material, at least one plasticizer and optionally at least one coating. The elastomeric articles also have unique tactile and tensile properties, such as conformability and low radius of curvature.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a high performance clay-based animal litter that is comprised of a clay-based liquid-absorbing material, and at least one filler coated with at least one clumping agent. The particle size of the liquid-absorbing material is small and provides the litter with a “sandy” appearance. The high performance litter is found to be surprisingly effective in containing odors and reducing tracking and dusting. It does not contain foaming agents and/or acids to trigger foaming, and does not utilize foams to block odors.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for applying epilation wax, allowing for a precise application from the stand-point of thickness as well as dimensions of the application, comprising a body (10) containing wax, a head, comprising an open housing provided with longitudinal and transverse lateral walls, the housing receiving a movable applicator (28) mounted in rotation in the housing, characterized in that the movable applicator (28) is a wheel (50) whose lateral surfaces (54-1 and 54-2) are domed.