Abstract: A stamping die includes a substrate stamping surface comprising a base matrix of open structure having a coating of elastomeric material applied thereon. The resulting surface is a composite comprising predominantly elastomer having matrix protruding through the elastomer in places.

Abstract: A water-soluble or water-dispersible material for deposition onto a fabric substrate during a treatment process. The material comprises a &bgr;1-4-linked polysaccharide structure having at least one substituent benefit agent group and optionally, one or more other substituent groups. The average degree of substitution of all substituent groups is from 0.01 to 1.2, preferably from 0.1 to 1.2, more preferably from 0.4 to 1.2. The polysaccharide structure has one or more regions with at least 3, preferably at least 4 consecutive unsubstituted saccharide rings.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformed package comprises the steps of placing a first sheet of film over a forming die having at least one cavity, heating the film to mould the film into the at least one cavity thereby forming at least one recess in the film, placing a composition in the at least one formed recess, and sealing a second sheet of film across the at least one formed recess to produce at least one closed package. Once formed, the or each recess is substantially retained in its formed orientation by the application of a vacuum through the or each cavity.

Abstract: A composition suitable for inhibiting the outgrowth of fungi is provided comprising a first ingredient which inhibits the biogenesis of a normal fungal cell wall and a second ingredient which is capable of perturbing the structure of the cellular membrane of said fungi, so that either the cellular integrity is essentially lost or cell division cannot take place, or both. The first ingredient preferably inhibits the anchorage of cell wall proteins in the cell wall of the fungi and is suitably a &bgr;-(1,6)-glucose polysaccharide, preferably &bgr;-gentiobiose or a pustulan fragment. The second ingredient is suitably a natural microbial membrane affecting substance (MMAS), preferably MB-21. The composition is particularly suitable as a preservative for inhibiting the outgrowth of fungi in food products, such as sauces, dressings, ketchups, and soups, but is also useful for preventing or inhibiting undesired fungal growth on other products such as personal health care products, e.g. soap bars.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing detergent composition is described which contains an effective amount of a defined water soluble cationic or amphoteric polymer and a phosphate or nonphosphate builder. The polymers are soluble or dispersible to at least 0.01% by weight in distilled water at 25° C. A method of using the polymers to prevent fading or corrosion of dishware is also described.

Abstract: An oral composition is provided containing stabilized peroxide ingredients. Stabilization is achieved by combination of a triphenyl methane dye and potassium nitrate. Particularly useful as the dye are FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3.

Abstract: A process for forming detergent bars by injection moulding in which a pressure is applied to a partially structured detergent composition to deliver it to a mould. The detergent composition can be delivered to the mould in a substantially semi-solid state, at a temperature below 70° C. and at a pressure at the point of injection of greater than 20 psi. Apparatus for forming detergent bars according the invention are also described.

Abstract: Compositions containing hydroxy acids and/or retinoids and further containing turmeric extract as an anti-irritant/anti-sting agent.

Abstract: Fabric care products and sprayable compositions comprise at least one amine- or amide-epichlorohydrin resin or derivative thereof. The fabric care products are adapted for use in a tumble dryer and may comprise a substrate, such as a flexible sheet or sponge or a dispenser such as a dosing ball, for delivery of the resin. The sprayable compositions are applied to the fabric prior to tumble drying. The products and compositions may be used in a laundering process to improve the appearance and/or texture of fabrics.

Abstract: Detergent formulations containing cationic nitriles are shown to exhibit enhanced stain removal, enhanced starchy soil removal and enhanced enzyme stability as compared to similar formulations containing TAED.

Abstract: There is provided a bleaching enzyme capable of generating a bleaching chemical and having a high binding affinity for non-colored compounds present in stains on fabrics, said non-colored compounds having a molecular weight of at least 100, preferably of at least 1,000 and more preferably of at least 5,000. Furthermore, there is provided an enzymatic bleaching composition comprising said bleaching enzyme and a surfactant and a process for bleaching stains present of fabrics.

Abstract: A rinse off hair conditioning composition comprising: (a) about 0.05 to about 5% by weight of cationic surfactant, (b) 0.01 to 10% by weight of an emulsion polymerised dimethiconol nonionic conditioning polymer having the formula: HO—Si(CH3)2—O—[Si(CH3)2—O—]nSi(CH3)2—OH where n is greater than 2700, and (c) water. The invention also comprises a method of making a conditioning composition.

Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by spraying a liquid binder to contact a particulate solid starting material in a low shear granulator such as a fluidised bed apparatus. The d3,2 average droplet diameter is not greater than ten times the d3,2 average particle diameter of that fraction of the solid starting material which has a d3,2 particle diameter of from 20 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m provided that if more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter less than 20 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total solid starting materials shall be taken to be 20 &mgr;m. If more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter greater than 200 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total starting solid material shall be taken to be 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A stable tea concentrate of about 50% to about 70% tea solids is prepared by aqueous extraction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing and embossing elongated substrates provide for both length and position registration with respect to the printed and embossed patterns. The ink pattern to embossed pattern error is corrected by stretching or relaxing the substrate between the printing and embossing assemblies.

Abstract: An essentially anhydrous hair conditioning composition comprising: (a) one or more microporous materials each of which has an average pore size larger than the critical diameter of a water molecule; (b) carrier molecules or molecular aggregates that have critical diameters larger than the largest average pore size of the microporous materials; and (c) conditioner molecules or molecular aggregates that have critical diameters larger than the largest average pore size of the microporous materials. The invention also relates to a method for conditioning hair with warming which comprises administering to the hair, with water, the hair conditioner compositions of the invention.