Abstract: Several current sensing techniques are described that may be used to obtain an accurate current signal, which may help to achieve the best performance with a trans-inductor voltage regulator (TLVR) topology. The techniques may have the coupling effect from the secondary side included, so the current sensing signal is accurate for the regulation and other functions related to the current signal. The current sensing techniques may have more accurate gain and phase information in the middle frequency and high frequency ranges. The coupling effect from the secondary side may be well represented in the current sensing signal. The advantages of TLVR topology may be enhanced with accurate current information.

Abstract: A self-contained, handheld probe for measuring at least one parameter of skin condition, has one or more light sources that may be used to project light upon the skin. The light projected is of a selected wavelength known to generate a specific fluorescence that is indicative of the skin parameter of interest in accordance with a known correlation. To produce the proper excitation light, a light source generating that wavelength is used or a broader spectrum of light is selectively filtered to pass the wavelength of interest. Lenses, fiber optic elements or waveguides may be employed to project the light onto the skin at a specific location and/or to deliver the skin response to a light detector, which measures the light signal from the skin. and generates an output signal indicative of the value of the at least one parameter. The probe may be used to measure skin age, photodamage and/or proliferation.

Abstract: A fabric article treatment appliance capable of washing and drying fabric articles, moreover, the appliances is capable of providing and using a first and a second predominant fluid in the washing step, wherein the first and the second predominant fluids are different.

Abstract: A composition for treating or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, wherein the composition comprises a lipophilic fluid, a polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxane surfactant, and a second surfactant.

Abstract: Clear or translucent fabric softening compositions having a biodegradable fabric softening active and an added chelating agent are disclosed. The biodegradable fabric softening active preferably has the formula: wherein each R substituent is hydrogen or a short chain C1-C6, preferably C1-C3 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, e.g.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance using at least a first and a second predominant fluids. Specifically, the first and the second predominat fluids are selected to be different in order to deliver more effective results. The first and the second predominant fluids are independently selected from the group consisting of water, linear or cyclic silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved fabric article treatment method in a laundering appliance involving a fluid switchover step such that the first predominant fluid is at least partially removed and a second predominant fluid is added. Specifically, the first and the second predominat fluids are selected to have different dielectric constatns. The fluid swichover method is also useful in controlling the surfactant carryover in a laundering process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating, refreshing or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: A process for fabric article treatment in a single appliance using a substantially aqueous mediumd comprising a first predominant fluid and a substantially non-aqueous medium comprising a second predominant fluid. Specifically, the first and the second predominant fluids are selected to be different in order to deliver more effective results. The first predominant fluid is water and the second predominant fluid is selected from the group consisting of linear or cyclic silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rinse-added laundry additive compounds having a color care agent and to methods for using the compositions. The laundry additive composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 50% of by weight of the composition of a color care agent having the formula:(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)N(CX.sub.2).sub.n N(R.sub.3)(R.sub.4)wherein X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched; substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having from 1-10 carbons atoms and substituted or unsubstituted aryl having at least 6 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 1 to 6; R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl; aryl; alkaryl; arylalk; hydroxyalkyl; polyhydroxyalkyl; polyalkylether having the formula --((CH.sub.2).sub.y O).sub.z R.sub.7 where R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rinse-added laundry additive compositions having a color care agent and to methods for using the compositions. The laundry additive composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 50% of by weight of the composition of a color care agent having the formula:(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)N(CX.sub.2).sub.n N(R.sub.3)(R.sub.4)wherein X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched; substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having from 1-10 carbons atoms and substituted or unsubstituted aryl having at least 6 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 1 to 6; R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl; aryl; alkaryl; arylalk; hydroxyalkyl; polyhydroxyalkyl; polyalkylether having the formula --((CH.sub.2).sub.y O).sub.z R.sub.7 where R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous fabric conditioning compositions containing a quaternary ammonium compound and/or amine precursor thereof of the formulae (I) or (II) herein, and a cellulase, said compositions having a neat pH at 20.degree. C., of from about 2.0 to about 4.5.

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions comprising fabric softening active(s) and a cellulase formulated so as to provide limited lower levels of cellulase activity, below about 50 CEVU's per liter of rinse solution, during use conditions of addition to the rinse cycle of machine laundry washing processes. Also a process for machine treatment of fabric, especially cotton fabrics, said process comprising treating fabric during the rinse cycle of a machine washing process with one or more cationic and/or nonionic fabric softening agents and cellulase at a level below about 50 CEVU's per liter of rinse solution.

Abstract: Automatic dishwashing detergent compositions, comprising particular quaternary-substituted bleach activators, are provided. More specifically, the invention relates to granular automatic dishwashing detergents which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the selection of quaternary-substituted bleach activators having specific features, such as caprolactam or valerolactam leaving groups and/or the ability to form particular cationic aliphatic peracid structures in solution. Preferred automatic dishwashing compositions comprise amylase enzymes. Included are preferred activator compounds and methods for washing tableware in domestic automatic dishwashing appliances using the activators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dryer-activated fabric softening compositions comprising: (A) fabric softening compounds; and (B) an ester of an alcohol perfume wherein the ester has at least one free carboxylic acid. The ester has the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, aryl group; or ring containing a heteroatom, R' is a perfume alcohol with a boiling point at 760 mm Hg of less than about 300 .degree. C.; and m and n are independently an integer of 1 or greater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dryer-activated fabric softening compositions comprising: (A) fabric softening compounds; (B) a non-allylic perfume alcohol ester; and (C) optionally, (1) a carboxylic acid salt of a tertiary amine and/or a tertiary amine ester; and (2) a nonionic softener; wherein, preferably, the Iodine Value of the total number of fatty acyl groups present in (A), (C)(1), and (C)(2) is from about 3 to about 60. These compositions exhibit good antistatic properties as well as improved delivery from a substrate.

Abstract: Automatic dishwashing detergents are provided in convenient, compact form without chlorine bleaches or phosphate builders. Thus, monopersulfate bleach such as 2KHSO.sub.5.KHSO.sub.4.K.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is used in combination with protease or amylase enzymes and acrylate organic dispersants to provide good cleaning of tableware. Weak builders such as citrate and pH-adjusting agents such as carbonate, bicarbonate and silicate can be present in the composition.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed containing fabric softener compound having two hydrophobic groups attached to the remainder of the compound through ester linkages (DEQA), said compositions being concentrated and containing viscosity/dispersibility modifiers which are single long chain cationic surfactants, highly ethoxylated nonionic surfactants and/or mixtures thereof. Premixes of the DEQA and viscosity modifiers to lower the viscosity of the molten DEQA are disclosed. Processes for making aqueous liquid compositions from solid particulate compositions containing the DEQA are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of softening fabrics where the consumer adds an effective amount of a particulate fabric softening composition comprising fabric softener agent to an automatic dosing dispenser with water, seals the dispenser, and places the automatic dosing dispenser into a washing machine at the beginning of the wash process. The mechanical agitation and/or heat of the wash cycle aids in forming a finely divided emulsion/dispersion of fabric softener agent which is then released from the dispenser during the rinse cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid and solid biodegradable fabric softener compositions combined with nonionic or anionic esters of a non-allylic alcohol perfumes. These compositions exhibit improved perfume longevity and reduced enviromental impact.