Abstract: A composition for a soap bar comprises:(i) from about 0.5% to about 5%, by weight, of silicone;(ii) from about 0.5% to about 5%, by weight, of a first emollient selected from polyols, selected from glycerin, sorbitol, or mixtures thereof;(iii) up to about 5%, by weight, of a second emollient selected from vegetable, animal or mineral oils, or free fatty acids, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A dental product is provided packaged in a telescopically arranged multi-cavity dispensing container having at least two cylinders in an upper body thereof. Peroxide and baking soda are placed as active ingredients in separate respective semi-solid streams, each stream being in separate ones of the cylinders. Uniform dispensing of each stream to deliver relatively equivalent ribbon length of each stream by incorporating a synthetic linear anionic polycarboxylate to adjust viscosity. Preferred polycarboxylates are homopolymers of acrylic, methacrylic and maleic acids, most especially a copolymer of vinyl methyl ether and maleic acid or anhydride.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a fishing reel comprising: a plurality of braking elements; a braking element assembly for retaining the braking elements in radial paths about a rotational axis such that a centrifugal force imparted to the braking elements by rotating the braking elements about the rotational axis will urge the braking elements to move in their radial paths away from the rotational axis toward individual, extended radial positions; a contact member; and a positioning mechanism for selectively positioning the contact member in at least a first location and a second location. When the contact member is positioned in its first location and the braking elements are in their extended radial positions, at least one of the braking elements contacts the contact member. However, when the contact member is positioned in its second location, the one braking element just mentioned cannot contact the contact member, regardless of whether the braking element is in its extended radial position.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining a customized skin foundation product to cover human skin imperfections. The steps include spectrophometrically measuring a customer's normal skin to obtain normal skin coloration values of lightness, redness and yellowness respectively denoted as L, a and b units. Thereafter the normal skin coloration values are converted through calculation to a modified value determined by a set program correcting L, a and b values. Based on the modified value the next step is formulating a facial foundation having color pursuant to the modified value. Adjustments are provided for redness and yellowness according to a set of schedules determined by the b/a ratio. Normally the measurement and skin imperfection determination are performed by a licensed dermatologist. Formulation and adjustment is is conducted at a site remote from the dermatologist office or place where the customer is measured and evaluated.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a pasteurised or sterile mesomorphic phase of surfactants, comprising the sequential steps of:(a) preparing a premix comprising surfactants and water at a temperature above the Krafft temperature of the surfactant and below the lamellar-cubic transition temperature of the surfactant-water mixture;(b) heating the premix at a temperature above the lamellar-cubic transition temperature of the surfactant-water mixture;(c) holding the premix between the Krafft temperature of the surfactant and the lamellar-cubic transition temperature of the surfactant-water mixture, especially with applying high shear, for a sufficient time to allow the mixture to reach a continuous lamellar phase; and(d) cooling the premix to below the Krafft temperature of the surfactants.As an alternative to the shear treatment, the premix can be held at a temperature below the Krafft temperature of the surfactant for at least 0.1 second between steps (b) and (c).

Abstract: A process for preparation of a granular detergent composition which process comprises the steps of(i) forming a liquid feedstock comprising a liquid binder and a structurant;(ii) dosing the liquid feedstock and a solid component into a high-speed mixer/densifier, to form a granular detergent material and forming or introducing further structurant in the high-speed mixer/densifier;(iii) subsequently treating the granular detergent material in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into or maintained in a deformable state; and(iv) drying and/or cooling the product of step (iii).

Abstract: A dispensing package is provided including a container with at least two discrete compartments, respective closures positioned across upper outlet ends of the compartments and a cap fitting over the respective closures. The cap includes a crown with a surrounding skirt. The skirt has at least two flexibly squeezable sides with catches formed on the skirt lockingly engageable over the closures. The crown further includes dispensing orifices for each of the outlet orifices and in an open position allows fluid dispensing from the compartments. By placing pressure on side panels of the cap, the catch can be released, lifted into a dispensing position and fluid poured from each of the respective compartments without any intermixing within the dispensing package or cross-contamination on drain back.

Abstract: An anti-reverse apparatus for a fishing reel comprising: (a) a ratchet member mounted on a main operating shaft of the fishing reel and (b) an engaging structure incorporated in a crankshaft assembly of the fishing reel. The engaging structure is operable for directly engaging the ratchet member to thereby prevent reverse rotation of the main operating shaft and of the crankshaft assembly. The engaging structure is preferably received in a recess provided in a crankshaft drive gear. The inventive apparatus preferably also comprises a boss projecting from the reel frame for retaining the engaging structure in the recess. The engaging structure preferably comprises: a plate having a first side and an aperture extending through the plate; a first arm extending from the first side for engaging the ratchet gear; and a second arm extending from the first side for contacting the frame boss in order to limit the axial and rotational movement of the engaging structure.

Abstract: A window cornice assembly is disclosed. The window cornice assembly may comprise a front section and two side sections upon which fabric may be arranged. Corner pieces may be mounted on the front and side sections. Fabric may be arranged and secured on the front and/or side sections by clips that retain the fabric taut and over the front face thereof. The clips can be attached to each other directly by an elastic cord or band, or attached to the rear face of the front section directly so that the fabric is tightly pulled over the front face of the front section. The elastic cord or band imparts a desired amount of elasticity to the fabric. The window cornice assembly may have one or more elongated channel-shaped support strips arranged on a front section to provide additional rigidity thereto.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, relates to a fluid loss control additive or composition comprising a granular starch composition and fine particulate mica, in specified proportions. The invention further comprises a fracturing fluid containing a starch composition and mica, in a specified ratio. In yet a third embodiment, the invention comprises a method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising injecting into the borehole and into contact with the formation, at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, a fracturing fluid containing starch and mica, in specified ratios, and in an amount sufficient to provide fluid loss control.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for descrambling a TV cable system transmission that been scrambled using an unknown scrambling algorithm. Insertion apparatus inserts a known visual/electrical characteristic into the TV transmission prior to scrambling by the unknown scrambling algorithm. The scrambled TV transmission, the scrambled insert-characteristic, and an encrypted message that defines the unscrambled insert-characteristic, are sent to all set-tops within the cable system. A set-top descrambler at each system-authorized set-top operates to descramble the scrambled insert-characteristic. The encrypted message is decrypted at each system-authorized set-top, to thereby reproduce the unscrambled insert-characteristic.

Abstract: A split roll has several separate roll bodies which are arranged side-by-side axially of the roll. Adjoining roll bodies are mounted in a bearing assembly which includes a bearing for each of the roll bodies. The two bearings for a pair of adjoining roll bodies are located in a common housing which is overlapped by the respective roll bodies.

Abstract: A system is provided for carrying out real time fluorescence-based measurements of nucleic acid amplification products. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an excitation beam is focused into a reaction mixture through a surface, the reaction mixture containing (i) a first fluorescent indicator capable of generating a first fluorescent signal whose intensity is proportional to the amount of an amplification product in the volume of the reaction mixture illuminated by the excitation beam and (ii) a second fluorescent indicator homogeneously distributed throughout the reaction mixture capable of generating a second fluorescent signal proportional to the volume of reaction mixture illuminated by the excitation beam. Preferably, the excitation beam is focused into the reaction mixture by a lens through a portion of a wall of a closed reaction chamber containing the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for transforming cells, resulting in efficient and stable site-specific integration of transgenes, are disclosed. Transformation is achieved by introducing into a cell an acceptor vector, preferably a retroviral vector, which integrates into the genome of the cell. The acceptor vector comprises two incompatible lox sequences, L1 and L2. A donor vector is then introduced into the cell comprising a transgene flanked by the same L1 and L2 sequences. Stable gene transfer is initiated by contacting the lox L1 and L2 sequences with Cre recombinase.

Abstract: A process for producing a detergent powder or a composition therefore involving partial granulation in a high or low shear granulator followed by granulation in a very low shear mixer, for example a fluid bed is disclosed. The process allows powders to be produced over a wide range of bulk densities without the use of a spray-drying step.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid cleansing and moisturizing composition comprising a base formulation and an additive formulation in which the base formulation and additive formulation are separate but combinedly dispensable from a single packaging means in a predetermined ratio as discrete domains. By adding some surfactant to additive formulation stripe, enhanced lather is obtained. Further, some surfactant is assured, even if there is uneven pumping. Finally, greater consumer control of surfactant of moisturizer levels is afforded.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus is provided including a housing with a water inlet channel, a heater to heat water delivered through the channel and a water dispenser within the housing for providing a spray of hot water to a brewing pot. The brewing pot is releasably attachable to the housing and includes a filter receptacle positioned to receive the spray of water and outlet aperture for allowing brewed tea to exit. A filter basket for containing the tea leaves is lodged within the filter receptacle. The basket has a base with a wire mesh screen and an integrally formed non-porous siphon shroud projecting upwardly from a central area of the floor base, the shroud being closed at the top while open at the bottom. A siphoning tube is lodged within the aperture of the filter receptacle and open at both ends. When nested, the siphon shroud surrounds the siphoning tube to create a siphon arrangement for continuously removing tea extract fluid from the filter basket.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of acid stable instant tea is disclosed. Enzymatic extraction of black tea leaf with water containing tannase and one or more cell wall digesting enzymes, such as cellulase, pectinase, hemicellulase or VISCOZYME is employed. The resulting tea extract is polished, at a selected tea solids level and temperature to improve haze. The polished extract is then made into a finished beverage or concentrated and dried in the usual manner. As a result, natural tea products are obtained which have improved acid stability, good color and good clarity.

Abstract: An improved display carton. The carton of the invention includes a front panel having lines of weakness extending from the top corners of the panel down to the scoreline defining the bottom of the front panel. Lines of weakness are also provided in one or more of the flaps defining the top of the carton. The flaps on the top of the carton do not completely close the carton so that a user may grasp the carton at the top and pull on the top panel to remove portions of the top and front panels and reveal the product within the case. A particularly advantageous feature of the invention,is the use of a cut in a scoreline to improve the compressive strength of the carton. The cut is made at the bottom of one or more columns of flutes at a point where the flute would otherwise bend due to the presence of a scoreline defining a fold. The cut causes a complete cut of the flute rather than folding; the complete cut results in an increase in compressive strength when compared to the folded flute.