Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning solvent and method for dry-cleaning. The dry-cleaning solvent and method employ a linear silicon comprising oligomer that unexpectedly results in excellent cleaning properties in the absence of any known environmental or health risks.

Abstract: Several techniques are provided for aiding in the discrimination of detected biological signals indicative of blood pressure from detected signals not indicative of blood pressure (e.g., noise). In one technique, mixed signals which include biological signals indicative of blood pressure and noise signals not indicative of blood pressure are detected during time periods, and are evaluated over a plurality of the time periods to aid in discriminating the biological signals from the noise signals. This enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the biological signals. In a related technique, the mixed signals are analyzed in different ways based on whether the noise level exceeds a threshold to discriminate the biological signals from the noise signals. Still another technique includes determining whether a candidate blood pressure signal should be used to measure blood pressure based on whether it exceeds a plurality of different thresholds.

Abstract: A liquid colorant system for a plastic molding machine includes a plurality of interconnected tube structures, a tank containing the liquid colorant, and a peristaltic pump. The pump drives a flow of the liquid colorant from the tank to a valve through a delivery tube and a peristaltic tube. During ordinary operation, the valve allows the liquid colorant to flow into the molding machine through a feed tube. However, the valve can be shifted to allow air to be purged through a purge tube, bypassing the feed tube and the machine.

Abstract: A venetian type blind has a headrail that can be cut down along cut lines very close to the outermost ladder locations. The cradle and spool in the headrail are sized and configured so that the cord lock and tilter can be positioned between a cradle and one side of the headrail.

Abstract: A bar composition comprising about 50-80% soap, about 4 to 35% by wt. free fatty acid and less than about 4% synthetic surfactant. Addition of 1% to 10% organic salt has been found to allow use of little or no surfactant while maintaining consumer desirable properties.

Abstract: A method for processing whole leaf tea that involves impregnating tea leaves with liquid carbon dioxide within a pressure vessel, depressurising the vessel at a rate that is sufficient to freeze the liquid carbon dioxide, applying sufficient heat to cause the frozen carbon dioxide to sublime and consequently initiate fermentation within the leaves, allowing the tea to ferment for a time that is sufficient to achieve desired liquor properties, and drying the fermented product to yield the whole leaf tea. An apparatus for manufacturing such a leaf tea is also described.

Abstract: A hang tag having an electronic article surveillance (EAS) device is provided by using a conventional hang tag substrate, such as paper, securing the EAS device therein, and folding the substrate onto itself and securing it with a permanent adhesive. Preferably the substrate is accordian folded. With the EAS device permanently secured and hidden in a fold, the article is more amenable to consideration by the consumer, and the EAS device is unobtrusive.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid cleansing and moisturising composition comprising: a) a surface active agent selected from anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic and cationic surface active agents, soap and mixtures thereof; b) a benefit agent; and c) a cationic polymer characterised in that the cationic polymer is present in the composition at levels of 0.05-3.0% by weight, and that the benefit agent is present in the neat composition as aggregated particles.

Abstract: A fabric care composition comprises an amine or amide-epichlorohydrin resin or derivative thereof, a silicone component and, optionally, a textile compatible carrier. The textile compatible carrier facilitates contact between the resin and a fabric. The composition is adapted for use in the rinse cycle of a laundering process and may be used, as part of such a process, in the treatment of fabric to reduce creasing of the fabric.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: A detergent composition which is suitable for making into bars for personal washing comprises: (a) 10 to 60% wt. of a synthetic, non-soap detergent; (b) 20 to 60% wt. of water soluble material which is neither soap nor a non-soap detergent and which has a melting point in the range 40° C. to 100° C.; and (c) 5 to 50% wt. of water insoluble material which is neither soap nor a non-soap detergent and which has a melting point in the range 40° C. to 100° C. The content of water, if any does not exceed 20% wt. of the composition and better is less than 15% wt. The materials (b) and (c) serve to give structure to the bars. The compositions can be prepared by melting together the above mentioned components at a temperature of 50-100° C., without the conventional energetic working. Desirably the molten mixture contains less than 20% wt. material, other than synthetic, non-soap detergent, which does not enter the liquid phase.

Abstract: A metal oxide varistor comprises a hollow ceramic body having an opening, a first electrode within the body and having a portion extending through the opening, and a second electrode disposed on the exterior surface of the body. Voltage applied to the electrodes above the device clamping voltage causes the ceramic body to conduct. The geometry of the body, which is optimally a sphere, greatly increases surface area between the electrodes and the ceramic body, and consequently increases the device's current carrying capacity.

Abstract: A machine for brewing tea, particularly in a shoc situation. The machine has a housing and at least one brewing assembly. The brewing assembly is formed to hold a brewing cup that has a filter that defines and separates a first cavity within the brewing cup for containing tea leaves and a second cavity from which tea leaves are excluded. The housing has a water supply that supplies a predetermined volume of water at a temperature that is suitable for infusing tea leaves. It also has a water supply channel for delivering the water into the first cavity of the brewing cup, and a siphon tube that has a siphoning end that extends orthogonally upward into the second cavity of the brewing cup and a downward projecting dispensing end.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid or liquid flow which comprises: a.) a metallic fill tube which is tapered at one end and has an opening at said end and has an internal profile and an outer profile; b.) a metallic tip and elastomeric assembly within said metallic fill tube; and which forms a seal with the internal profile of said fill tube upon contact with said internal profile; c.) a nozzle which at one end is attached to said metallic tip; and wherein the opening of said metallic fill tube has approximately the same radius as the metallic tip and elastomeric assembly, is described.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition, preferably an antiperspirant stick, has a carrier liquid which is almost exclusively silicone oil, structured with lanosterol. Instability is avoided by nearly complete exclusion or complete exclusion of silicon-free organic liquids.

Abstract: A fabric softening composition comprising: (a) a cationic fabric softening compound; and (b) an emulsified silicone. In one aspect the viscosity of the silicone before emulsification is from 10,000 cSt to 1,000,000 cSt, preferably from 30,000 cSt to 750,000 cSt, more preferably from 40,000 cSt to 400,000 cSt, most preferably 45,000 cSt to 250,000 cSt, eg 45,000 cSt to 200,000 cSt and the emulsion is a macro-emulsion. In another aspect, the median silicone droplet size in the emulsion is at least 0.2 &mgr;m, preferably at least 0.25 &mgr;m, more preferably at least 0.39 &mgr;m, preferably also no greater than 25 &mgr;m and is emulsified with an emulsifier comprising one or more cationic surfactants.

Abstract: The invention discloses extruded detergent bars comprising benefit agent containing capsules wherein said capsules are strong enough to withstand extrusion process while still able to release benefit agent upon washing.