Abstract: An integrated data communication and data access system includes a first cache memory operatively connected to a first application and a first conversion means operatively connected to the first cache memory and interfacing between a first operator of the first application and the first cache memory for receiving original data having a first format from the first operator and converting the original data having the first format into original data having a second format, the first application storing the original data having the second format in the first cache memory and in a database when the first application sets a persistant or a transient storage state.

Abstract: Liquid skin cleansing compositions comprising (1) mild surfactant systems; (2) 0.5% to 9% by wt. of a hydroxy carboxylic compound or compounds which buffer the pH of the composition; (3) an antibacterial agent and (4) 1% to 99% water to potentiate the bactericidal activity are provided.

Abstract: A detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 550 kg/m.sup.3 comprises a mixture of:(a) a granulate, preferably a mechanically mixed granulate, of bulk density 450 kg/m.sup.3 to 1300 kg/m.sup.3, comprising surfactant and inorganic material, and(b) a spray-dried adjunct comprising inorganic material, preferably sodium sesquicarbonate or Burkeite,component (a) being present in an amount of from 35% to 85% by weight of the total granular product.The adjunct allows the bulk density of the final composition to be adjusted to any chosen value without detriment to other properties, thus providing flexibility to formulate at a range of bulk densities.

Abstract: A mold table for the continuous casting of large strands has two separate parts. The mold table parts are coupled to opposite ends of an elongated rigid rotatable member by respective linkages. A drive oscillates the rotatable member which, in turn, constrains the mold table parts to oscillate synchronously.

Abstract: A tablet of compacted particulate detergent composition has an indentation (39) around a periphery of the face (37) of the tablet. The surface circumscribed by the indentation preferably has higher permeability and is rougher than the surface of the indentation (39) itself. Such a tablet can be made by a process in which a detergent composition is compacted in a mould by at least one die with an elastomeric surface layer (36) on an area which contacts the composition, which layer (36) is surrounded by a rigid rim (30) which forms the indentation (39).

Abstract: A spacing device for spreading stamped material, especially soap bars, during transfer from a stamping process to a packaging process comprises a train of at least a first and last coupled carriages mounted for movement along an axis and coupled together to allow spacing therebetween upon movement of one of the carriages. A single driving mechanism is provided to move the first carriage along the axis. An actuating mechanism, such as a rack and pinion or a crank lever, is operably connected to the first carriage such that when the driving mechanism moves the first carriage along the axis, the actuating mechanism moves the last carriage along the axis in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first carriage, thereby spacing the train of carriages apart.

Abstract: Malty flavor producing cultures are used in meat fermentations to produce flavor, particularly 3-methyl-butanal, are described. Mixed cultures used for producing the fermented meats, including Pediococcus, Micrococcus and the malty flavor producing culture, a Lactococcus or Lactobacillus, are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially anhydrous, powdered, galactomannan composition consisting essentially of a galactomannan hydrocolloid exhibiting about 50% to about 90% by weight of anhydromannose residues and about 10% to about 50% by weight anhydrogalactose residues; less than about 1% by weight of protein material and less than about 3% of other nonaqueous impurities. This material is useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions both in the substantially anhydrous form but preferably in an anhydrated form which includes about 5-15% by weight water. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a drug, the hydrated powered gallactomannan composition and optionally other pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients. When the hydrated powdered purified glactomannan of the invention is used to form a tablet, one sees improved hardness in the tablet formed.

Abstract: A coaxial rotary coupler assembly which includes a coaxial transmission region for transmitting RF energy between a stationary and rotating section of the rotary coupler. Compact stubs are associated with the input and output connections to associated input and output transmission lines. Stepped impedance chokes are formed between fixed and rotating portions of the outer and inner coaxial conductors of the rotary transmission line sections.

Abstract: A method and cosmetic composition for improving skin firmness are provided through an anhydrous composition including a hydrophobic carrier which may be a silicone or hydrocarbon for delivering an effective amount of a ceramide formed of a sphingoid base linked through an amide to a 2-hydroxycarboxylic C.sub.2 -C.sub.30 group.

Abstract: A packaged cosmetic product is provided which includes a transparent cosmetic composition, a container for holding the composition and a carton surrounding the container. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a front and rear wall, the front wall being transparent while the rear wall is etched along a portion of its surface. A front wall of the container is transparent while a rear wall is etched along a portion of the surface. The carton has parallel anterior and posterior walls, each with a window cut through their respective surfaces. These windows are preferably of substantially equivalent shape, are bordered on the carton surface by a complementary shaped pattern, are aligned along a common axis and frame the translucent portion. Particularly preferred are windows in the shape of half leaves complemented by symmetrical half leaves embossed or printed on the container surface adjacent the windows. The etched portion is preferably patterned also as a leaf of generally similar design.

Abstract: A wiping article is provided which includes an effervescent cleanser composition held within a pouch formed from a first and second substrate sheet. At least one of the substrate sheets must be water permeable. The effervescent composition is an intimate mixture of an acid material such as citric acid and an alkaline material such as sodium bicarbonate. Water contact causes the combination to effervesce. A dry surfactant such as sodium cocoyl isethionate in contact with the water and effervescing carbon dioxide results in a highly pleasant sudsing system. Skin benefit agents may be included within the composition. The effervescent action may improve deposition of the skin benefit agents onto the skin.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1520`, characterized by its numerous semi-double bright coral pink-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit, basal branching; and dark green leaves with a distinct zonation pattern.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1561`, characterized by its numerous single white and purple bi-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit; basal branching; and dark green leaves with a distinct zonation pattern.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1705`, characterized by its numerous semi-double salmon and light pink-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit; vigorous and basal branching; and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1700`, characterized by its numerous semi-double white and dark pink bi-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit; vigorous and basal branching; and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named `BFP-857`, characterized by its white-colored flowers; compact, upright and mounded plant habit; good basal branching; and dark green leaves.