Abstract: This invention provides a methodology for controlled biofilm formation in accordance with a monitored protocol. In a typical embodiment, a natural biofilm inoculum is used to form a simulated natural biofilm on retrievable slides in an annular reactor. The monitored protocol in the annular reactor subjects the bacterial consortia of the simulated natural biofilm to simulated environmental conditions. The invention simulated natural biofilm on a slide surface has utility for the testing of formulated product activity for inhibition or removal of the simulated natural biofilm, thereby providing a reliable indicator of the relative activity of the products under natural environmental conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides a wick composition which is comprised of a polymeric strand such as polyethylene, which has a content of particulate polysaccharidic filler ingredient and air freshener ingredient. The wick is adapted for incorporation in a candle body. When the wick is ignited, it combusts with a controlled release of the air freshener ingredient into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surfactant complexes and methods for using them. The complexes contain nonionic surfactants in low concentrations. The surfactants are complexes with associative polymeric thickeners. These complexes can be formulated for use as laundry pre-spotters, hard surface cleaners, and insecticides. They can also be used in other applications.

Abstract: An acidic bleaching solution formed from the admixture of a first aqueous solution containing a chlorine deactivating agent and a second aqueous solution containing a hypochlorite salt is disclosed. Also disclosed is a bleaching system for forming the acidic bleaching solution, as well as a method of preparing the acidic bleaching solution. The acidic bleaching solution advantageously generates little or no chlorine gas while being a particularly effective cleaner for removing soapscum, limescale, mold and mildew from treated surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing kinetically inert high oxidation state metal coordination complex stains, lime scale, soap scum, soil, grease, and biofilm deposits from ceramic surfaces, such as porcelain and glass, and other hard surfaces. The composition includes an acid component; a reducing component; a surfactant system component; and a complexing system component. In one aspect, the cleaning composition includes sulfamic acid, in an amount between about 20 and about 80 weight percent of the composition; isoascorbic acid, in an amount between about 0.1 and about 20 weight percent of the composition, for reducing kinetically inert high oxidation state metal coordination complex stains; a non-interfering surfactant system; and a complexing system comprising ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid, the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid comprising between about 0.

Abstract: A child-resistant, wick-based liquid emanation system includes a container which is capable of containing liquid and has an opening. A wick is partially disposed within the container and extends through the opening of the container. A hollow overcap encases the extended portion of the wick and has a closed, separable tip and an open base attached to cover the opening of the container. The system is activated by separating the tip from the overcap. A retainer may be provided for obstructing complete removal of the wick from the container through the overcap after the tip is separated from the overcap. The retainer can include a shoulder disposed in the overcap between the tip and the base to retain the wick toward the base of the overcap. Alternatively, a protrusion from the wick can engage an inner surface of the overcap or the container. In this case, the overcap can have a frangible portion facilitating separation of the tip, and the wick can extend past the frangible portion toward the tip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nozzles connectable to a hose or other fluid supply. The nozzles can store an active material such as an insecticide and then dissolve it into the water from the hose. The nozzle has an elongated cylindrical outer housing. A sleeve is positioned in the housing which stores the active material. An interaction between a cap and a valve controls the valve on/off operation and also a rinse by-pass in response to rotation of the housing relative to a knob. After the liquid passes into the sleeve, it travels a serpentine path before it reaches the outlet of the housing. This, along with a particle trap and a swirl chamber, provides a relatively consistent solution concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bleaching systems that contain a peroxide and an activator. The activator is a tungsten containing compound, preferably sodium tungstate or tungstosilicic acid. When such bleaching systems are applied in an aqueous alkaline environment they can bleach mold, fungus, and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener dispenser device comprising (1) a disposable air freshener cartridge, (2) a disposable electrical plug housing, and (3) a reusable electrical plug for engaging a wall electrical outlet. The cartridge has an elongated thermoplastic hollow body configuration with a sealed internal reservoir chamber of liquid air freshener medium, and the upper section of the cartridge body is shaped to a flat shallow extension of the cartridge chamber. An electrical-resistance heating element is affixed on the inner surface of the cartridge chamber shallow extension. A thin wick matrix extends internally from the cartridge chamber bottom up to the top of the chamber shallow extension. The cartridge has an integrally structured means adapted for removal of a top portion of the cartridge chamber shallow extension to expose an upper section of wick matrix to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing kinetically inert high oxidation state metal coordination complex stains, lime scale, soap scum, soil, grease, and biofilm deposits from ceramic surfaces, such as porcelain and glass, and other hard surfaces. The composition includes an acid component; a reducing component; a surfactant system component; and a complexing system component. In one aspect, the cleaning composition includes sulfamic acid, in an amount between about 20 and about 80 weight percent of the composition; isoascorbic acid, in an amount between about 0.1 and about 20 weight percent of the composition, for reducing kinetically inert high oxidation state metal coordination complex stains; a non-interfering surfactant system; and a complexing system comprising ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid, the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid comprising between about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for use of a towelette to clean stains from clothing and upholstery. The towelette is impregnated with a cleaning solution that is primarily water, but also contains a volatile cleaning agent and a surfactant. The pH and surfactant concentrations of the cleaning solution are regulated. The wipe reduces the incidence of readily visible rings around treated stains.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combined toilet bowl cleaning brush and storage container system. The brush is provided with a disk shaped wall which rests on an internal sealing ledge of the container. A entry deterent latching system is provided above the disk shaped wall to hold the wall in place and seal the container. A plurality of steps are required to unlatch the brush prior to use.

Abstract: A lid for use on a holder with a candle disposed therein, the holder having a lip defining an open mouth. The lid includes a central cap and a projection depending outwardly from the central cap. The projection includes an inner wall, which is configured to surround and abut the candle in the holder when the lid is in place on the holder, and an outer wall, which is configured to abut the holder when the lid is in place on the holder. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the outer wall and is configured to abut the lip of the holder when the lid is in place on the holder. In another aspect, a candle package includes the lid, in combination with the holder and the candle. Also, a method of packaging a candle utilizes such a candle package.