Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of the autonomic nervous systems. The present invention allows for monitoring of the autonomic nervous system using spectral analysis of both heart rate and respiratory signals. A preferred embodiment uses short-time Fourier transform (STFT) with a novel modified Bartlett windowing scheme in real-time so that the dynamic interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system can be independently monitored. In addition, a preferred embodiment of the present invention uses the same techniques to monitor other biological or physiological data, including continuous blood pressure.

Abstract: A process for preparing detergent agglomerates for a detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-linear viscoelastic surfactant paste including, by weight of the surfactant paste, from about 70% to 95% of a detersive surfactant and from about 5% to about 30% of water; (b) regulating the amount of sodium carbonate in the surfactant paste such that the surfactant paste has a Maximum Shear Rate of at least 20 sec.sup.-1 so that the surfactant paste is processable; (c) charging the surfactant paste into a high speed mixer/densifier; (d) inputting from about 1% to about 70% by weight of a detergency builder into the high speed mixer/densifier; and (e) agglomerating the surfactant paste and the builder by treating the surfactant paste and the builder initially in the high speed mixer/densifier and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer/densifier so as to form detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which produces high density detergent compositions especially suitable for commercialization as a compact detergent product. The process can be easily retrofitted into existing spray drying detergent-making production plants in that it utilizes existing equipment so as to economize the transition from "tower" based to "non-tower" based detergent manufacturing plants. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating starting detergent ingredients in a mixer/densifier such that detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l are formed; (b) conditioning the agglomerates in a spray-drying tower so as to enhance the free flowability of the detergent agglomerates: and (c) admixing adjunct detergent ingredients in the detergent agglomerates, thereby producing the high density granular detergent composition.

Abstract: A detergent additive for inclusion in a particulate, free-flowing laundry detergent composition comprising polyvinyl pyrrolidone, finely divided powder, hydrating salt, and binding agent is presented. A process for making a particulate, free-flowing laundry detergent composition is also presented.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the step of continuously mixing detergent granules having a density of less than about 450 g/l in a moderate speed mixer/densifier wherein the granules are pulverized and densified to produce agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l . The mean residence time of the granules in the moderate speed mixer/densifier is at least about 12 minutes, and preferably from 12 to 15 minutes. The process further includes the step of either spraying a binder or adding a coating agent in the mixer/densifier to facilitate agglomeration of the granules. Thereafter, the agglomerates are dried to obtain the high density granular detergent agglomerates which are ready for packaging as a low dosage detergent.