Abstract: A covering system that includes a first membrane, a first flotation member coupled to the first membrane. The first flotation member includes a first float and a first float compartment membrane, and the first float compartment membrane is coupled to the first membrane. The covering system also includes a first plurality of gas-relief passageways positioned either within the first float compartment membrane, or within the first membrane and adjacent to the first flotation member. And at least one of the gas-relief passageways within the first plurality is structured so that gas flows unobstructed through it when the system is used. Gas-relief openings formed between overlapping membranes may also be utilized as avenues through which gas may escape to atmosphere from beneath the covers and covering systems. Venting methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial wipe effective against Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, fungi, yeasts, molds, and viruses comprising a porous or absorbent sheet impregnated with an antimicrobial cleansing composition, wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 99.85%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition an One-wash Immediate Germ Reduction Index of greater than about 1.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleansing compositions having a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5, comprising an amphoteric surfactant in combination with 2-pyrrolidone-5 carboxylic acid as a proton donating agent. Also disclosed are corresponding articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions. The compositions are mild to the skin and provide immediate and residual antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial wipe comprising a porous or absorbent sheet impregnated with an antimicrobial cleansing composition, wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 99.85%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 0.5; and wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of less than about 0.3.

Abstract: This application relates to antiviral tissue paper comprising a water soluble metal ion as an antiviral agent. The water soluble metal ion has at least one hydroxide ion formation constant wherein the hydroxide ion formation constant is at least 1012. When added to tissue the water soluble metal ion has the ability to kill certain strains of viruses which come into contact with the tissue.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for gene therapy. One aspect of the invention pertains to vectors which can be used to effect genetic therapy in animals or humans having genetic disorders where expression of high levels of a protein of interest are required to treat or correct the disorder. The subject invention also pertains to methods for treating animals or humans in need of gene therapy to treat or correct a genetic disorder. The materials and methods of the invention can be used to provide therapeutically effective levels of a protein that is non-functional, or that is absent or deficient in the animal or human to be treated. In one embodiment, the materials and methods can be used to treat alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 5.0%, by weight of the cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 9% to about 14%, by weight of the cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant, wherein at least about 67% of the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Class A surfactants, Class C surfactants, and mixtures thereof, wherein the ratio of Class A surfactant to Class C is from about 4:1 to about 1.5:1, and wherein the total anionic surfactant comprises less than about 50% of the ammonium counter cation salt; from about 4% to about 8%, by weight of the cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent having a Biological Activity Index, Z, of greater than about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial cleansing compositions that have a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5 and comprise an antimicrobial agent, an amphoteric sulfactant, and 2-pyrrolidone-5 carboxylic acid as a proton donating agent. Also disclosed are corresponding articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions. The compositions are mild to the skin and provide improved antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising surfactants and organic and/or inorganic acids wherein the compositions and/or the surfactant and acid combination meet specific functional criteria. Articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial wipe comprising a porous or absorbent sheet impregnated with an antimicrobial cleansing composition, wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 99.85%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Negative Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 0.3. The invention also relates to these antibacterial wipes wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of greater than about 0.3.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial cleansing compositions that have a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5 and comprise an antimicrobial agent, an amphoteric surfactant, and 2-pyrrolidone-5 carboxylic acid as a proton donating agent. Also disclosed are corresponding articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions. The compositions are mild to the skin and provide improved antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions which provide enhanced immediate as well as residual anti-viral and antibacterial efficacy. The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention provide previously unseen residual effectiveness against Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, and viruses, fungi, and improved immediate germ reduction upon use. These compositions comprise: a) a safe and effective amount of a benzoic acid analog; b) a safe and effective amount of a metal salt; and c) a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the acid and salt wherein said composition has a pH of from about 1 to about 7. The invention further relates to methods of use for the present compositions as well as antimicrobial products which incorporate the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leave-on antimicrobial composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5% of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10% of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10% of a proton donating agent; and from about 0% to about 99.85% of water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the leave-on antimicrobial composition has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 0.5; and wherein the leave-on antimicrobial composition has a Mildness Index of greater than 0.3. The invention also encompasses methods for cleansing skin and providing residual effectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria using these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial wipe comprising a porous or absorbent sheet impregnated with an antimicrobial cleansing composition, wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 99.85%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 0.5; and wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of less than about 0.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial wipe comprising a porous or absorbent sheet impregnated with an antimicrobial cleansing composition, wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 99.85%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0. The invention also encompasses methods for cleansing skin, reducing the number of germs on the skin, and providing residual effectiveness versus Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria using these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leave-on antimicrobial composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5% of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.5% to about 10% of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10% of a proton donating agent, wherein the proton donating agent is such that the composition is essentially free of C4-C20 alkyl fatty acid; and from about 0% to about 98.85% of water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the leave-on antimicrobial composition has a One-wash Immediate Germ Reduction Index of greater than about 50%; and wherein the leave-on antimicrobial composition has a Mildness Index of greater than 0.3. The invention also encompasses methods for moisturizing skin, reducing germs on the skin, and providing residual effectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria using these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5% of an antimicrobial active, from about 1% to about 80% of an anionic surfactant, from about 0.1% to about 12% of a proton donating agent; from about 0.1% to about 30% of a deposition aid; and from about 3% to about 98.8% of water, wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0, wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Negative Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 0.3, and wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of greater than 0.3. The invention also encompasses methods for cleansing skin and providing residual effectiveness versus Gram negative bacteria using these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leave-on antimicrobial composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the leave-on antimicrobial composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the leave-on antimicrobial composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the leave-on antimicrobial composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 0% to about 99.85%, by weight of the leave-on antimicrobial composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0. The invention also encompasses methods for moisturizing, reducing the number of germs on the skin, and decreasing the spread of transient Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria using the leave-on antimicrobial compositions described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial wipe comprising a porous or absorbent sheet impregnated with an antimicrobial cleansing composition, wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 5.0%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active; from about 0.05% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 99.85%, by weight of the antimicrobial cleansing composition, water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Negative Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 0.3. The invention also relates to these antibacterial wipes wherein the antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of greater than about 0.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5% of an antimicrobial active, from about 1% to about 80% of an anionic surfactant, from about 0.1% to about 12% of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 98.899% of water, wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0, wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 1.8, and wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of greater than 0.3. The invention also encompasses methods for cleansing skin and providing residual effectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria using these products.