Abstract: There is provided herein a flame retardant liquid solution comprising a brominated flame retardant solute and a hydroxyl-functional phosphonate solvent of the general formula (I) described herein; and, wherein the solvent of the general formula (I) has a viscosity of less than 1,000 cps. In addition, there is provided a polyurethane foam-forming composition comprising a polyol, a catalyst and the flame retardant liquid solution, or alternatively, polyurethane foam-forming composition comprising an a catalyst and the flame retardant liquid solution, wherein the hydroxyl-functional phosphonate solvent of the general formula (I) functions as a hydroxyl-containing component and/or a flame retardant in the polyurethane foam-forming composition, as well as articles made from either of the polyurethane foam-forming compositions.

Abstract: A disposable toilet seat cover apparatus is for use on the existing seat of a toilet. The apparatus is provided in a textured biodegradable water soluble material and resists slippage on the seat. A pull tab provides for the gas chamber within the valve assembly of the initially compactly folded apparatus to release a compressed gas to fill the seat cover/cushion. After use, the apparatus' biodegradable makeup provides for either discarding in a trash bin or for deposit into the bowl water, where the apparatus quickly deflates and dissolves. Any of the apparatus not immediately dissolved in the bowl water is easily flushed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flame-retardant compositions for use in polyurethane foams, the flame-retardant composition comprising: (a) a phosphate ester blend comprising triphenyl phosphate and one or more alkyl-substituted triphenyl phosphates; and (b) a polyol crosslinking agent soluble in the phosphate ester blend. The invention also relates to flexible polyurethane foams containing these flame-retardant compositions.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition for use in flame retarding a polyurethane foam composition so that the foam has reduced scorch as a result of its manufacture, said flame retardant composition comprising a mixture of (a) a flame retardant of the type that normally causes scorch when used in such foam and (b) a benzofuranone derivative, as a anti-scorch stabilizer. Flame retarded polyurethane foams having reduced discoloration are also provided.

Abstract: Flame retarded polyurethane foams are produced by reacting a polyurethane foam-forming composition comprising polyol, organic isocyanate and at least one phosphate ester containing both alkyl and aryl group functionality.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam can be flame retarded by the incorporation therein of a flame retardant blend that comprises: (a) a non-oligomeric non-halogenated organophosphorus flame retardant (e.g., a phosphate ester) that is adapted for use in a polyurethane foam formulation; and (b) an oligomeric organophosphorus flame retardant (e.g., a phosphate ester) having a phosphorus content of no less than about 10%, by weight, and at least three phosphate ester units therein.

Abstract: The articles, compositions, and kits of the present invention are useful for conditioning fabric.

Abstract: A hair conditioning composition comprising silicone polymer containing quaternary groups and a gel matrix. The composition of the present invention can provide improved conditioning benefits such as smooth feel and reduced friction to both damaged hair and non-damaged hair, while providing other benefits such as slippery and slick feel on wet hair.

Abstract: Methods of cleansing skin comprise the steps of contacting the skin with a cleansing compositions comprising a fatty ester in combination with a lipid, and either rinsing the composition from the skin with water or wiping the composition from the skin with a dry or damp substrate. The cleansing compositions can comprise at least 8%, by weight of the composition, of fatty ester and/or further comprise a nonionic surfactant and less than about 50%, by weight of the composition, of an alcohol solvent such as ethanol, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof. The methods and compositions provide skin cleansing and hydration benefits.

Abstract: Laundry or cleaning composition comprising: (a) a catalytically effective amount, preferably from about 1 ppb to about 99.9%, of a transition-metal bleach catalyst which is a complex of a transition-metal and a cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligand; and (b) at least about 0.1% of one or more laundry or cleaning adjunct materials, preferably comprising an oxygen bleaching agent. Preferred compositions are laundry compositions and automatic dishwashing detergents which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the use of such catalysts.

Abstract: A flame retardant blend, suitable for incorporation into a polyurethane foam, comprises: an oligomeric organophosphourus flame retardant, preferably an organophosphate, having a phosphorus content of no less than about 10%; a benzofuran-2-one stabilizer; and a monomeric phosphate ester containing alkyl and/or haloalkyl groups to act as a solubilizing addtive for the oligomeric organophosphorus flame retardant and benzofuran-2-one stabilizer.

Abstract: The articles, compositions, and kits of the present invention are useful for conditioning fabric.

Abstract: Flame-retardant blends are described that comprise: (a) a monomeric halogenated organic flame-retardant, which is adapted for use in a polyurethane foam formulation; and (b) an organic phosphate flame-retardant. The organic phosphate flame-retardant has the formula: where Ar is an aryl or an alkaryl group, R represents an alkylene or arylene group, and the average value of n is 0 to 5. In addition, an organic brominated additive can be selected in combination with the phosphate ester. These flame-retardants are incorporated into flexible polyurethane foams at various densities.

Abstract: A flame retardant blend, suitable for incorporation into a polyurethane foam, comprises: an oligomeric organophosphourus flame retardant, preferably an organophosphate, having a phosphorus content of no less than about 10%; a benzofuran-2-one stabilizer; and a monomeric phosphate ester containing alkyl and/or haloalkyl groups to act as a solubilizing addtive for the oligomeric organophosphorus flame retardant and benzofuran-2-one stabilizer.

Abstract: Softening-through-the-wash compositions (“STW compositions”) are added to the wash cycle of a laundering process to soften fabrics. The STW compositions of the present invention comprise a particulate fabric softening active having an average particle size of less than about 800 microns in diameter. The STW compositions are substantially free of detersive surfactants and silicone materials. The STW compositions can further comprise a particulate co-softening compound having an average particle size of less than about 800 microns in diameter. The STW compositions comprise an effective amount of the particulate fabric softening active and optional particulate co-softening compound to provide a concentration of the fabric softening active and optional co-softening compound of at least about 50 parts per million when the STW composition is dispensed in a wash solution of the laundering process. Processes to make these STW compositions are also encompassed in the present invention.

Abstract: Non-halogen, flame-retardant polyurethane foam compositions having reduced discoloration or scorch during their manufacture contain an effective amount of a flame retardant of the formula: where Ar is an aryl or an alkaryl group, R is neopentylene, and the average value of n is 1 to 10.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: A flame retardant blend is disclosed that comprises: (a) a monomeric halogenated organic flame retardant that is adapted for use in a polyurethane foam formulation; and (b) an oligomeric organophosphate flame retardant having a phosphorus content of no less than about 10%, by weight, and at least three phosphate ester units therein, the amount of (a) in the blend being no less than the amount of (b). It is useful in polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A method of growing protein crystals in a protein crystal growth assembly including a crystal growth cell and further including a cell body having a top side and a bottom side and a first aperture defined therethroug, the cell body having opposing first and second sides and a second aperture defined therethrough. A cell barrel is disposed within the cell body, the cell barrel defining a cavity alignable with the first aperture of the cell body, the cell barrel being rotatable within the second aperture. A reservoir is coupled to the bottom side of the cell body and a cap having a top side is disposed on the top side of the cell body. The method includes steps of rotating the cell barrel to orient the insert in a fill/removal position; loading and securing a protein into the insert; rotating the barrel to a launch configuration position; rotating the barrel to activate and experiment by placing the cell in a growth position; and then rotating the barrel further to deactivate the experiment.

Abstract: A protein crystal growth assembly including a crystal growth cell and further including a cell body having a top side and a bottom side and a first aperture defined therethrough, the cell body having opposing first and second sides and a second aperture defined therethrough. A cell barrel is disposed within the cell body, the cell barrel defining a cavity alignable with the first aperture of the cell body, the cell barrel being rotatable within the second aperture. A reservoir is coupled to the bottom side of the cell body and a cap having a top side is disposed on the top side of the cell body.