Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods of producing small molecules for industrial application using natural organisms and engineered organisms.

Abstract: A drive screw having an axial bore is disposed within a tubular container. A cap for closing the container has mounted therefrom an applicator that is insertable in the bore of the drive screw. A first seal and a second seal, on the drive screw, form with the inner wall of the container and the outer wall of the drive screw an annular compartment for housing a cosmetic composition. A normally closed channel is provided between the compartment and the bore of the drive screw. A drive on the cap and a complementary drive on the drive screw cooperate with the first seal and the second seal to decrease the volume of the compartment in which the composition is housed each time the container is opened by removing the cap. A valve opens the channel in response to the decrease in volume in the compartment when the cap is removed so as to permit composition to flow through the channel into the bore of the drive screw to contact the applicator.

Abstract: A hair styling implement is comprised of a support and an extension mounted therefrom. The extension is preferably comprised of at least 75%, more preferably 90% and most preferably is comprised substantially completely of a material able to absorb water by wicking or capillary action. The extension is coil shaped, a die-cut sheet folded to encase at least a part of the support, a plurality of disks or a first series of disks separated from a second series of disks by a plurality of bristles.

Abstract: A bristle brush for applying a cosmetic product to hair is provided with a sleeve having a longitudinal axis and at least one perforation. The brush is disposed within the sleeve so that brush bristles extend through the perforation for contact with the hair. The perforation is circular, arcuate, rectangular, square, triangular or trapezoidal in shape or at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. When the sleeve has a plurality of perforations, the perforations can be shaped alike or can differ in shape and/or in angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve so that one or more predetermined performance characteristics are obtained when the brush is used to apply the cosmetic product to the hair. A method for adjusting brush performance characteristics is also disclosed.

Abstract: A post-application expanding composition for application to hair fibers of the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes is provided. The composition comprises at least one surfactant, a solvent for the surfactant, and a volatile agent in an amount that will cause the surfactant and solvent to interact and foam on the hair fibers thereby producing an expanded composition. The composition further contains a film-forming agent in an amount effective to form a film which when set fixes at least a portion of the expanded composition in its expanded state. The volatile agent is solubilized in the composition, and is further dispersed throughout the composition in nanometer size droplets or generated in situ on the hair fibers or immediately prior to application thereto so that the composition is storable in a non-pressurized container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for imparting to the lips the appearance of more fullness and to the skin, particularly the face, the masking of surface irregularities, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, by applying thereto a post-application expanding composition. The composition comprises one or more surfactants, a solvent for the surfactant(s), a volatile agent, a film forming agent and, optionally, a colorant, preferably a pigment.

Abstract: An applicator brush, preferably a mascara applicator brush, having enhanced bristle fibers is provided. The applicator brush has a brush core, and a number of bristle fibers preferably extending radially from the brush core. The bristles are made of two or more materials that are preferably coextruded together. The bristle fibers achieve performance characteristics such as antibacterial qualities, enhanced bristle surface structure, combing and loading characteristics. In this manner, enhanced application characteristics are achieved for the benefit of the user.

Abstract: An atmospheric effects still includes a fluid holding tank provided with a supply opening, a top cover of transparent material supported above the tank, and a vertically-disposed tapered hollow tower member having its base resting on the floor of the tank and having an intermediate portion penetrating the top cover. At its base, the tower member has openings in its side walls to permit fluid entry into the tower member beneath the top cover. The tower member has a plurality of vertically-spaced sections of decreasing cross-sectional area, each section including a plurality of short, open tube members extending through two spaced plates. Solar energy heats fluid in the tank and causes a flow of moisture-laden air to rise upwardly through the tower member where clean water is condensed from such vapor.