Abstract: A system and method for conducting a financial transaction are described. In one embodiment, communication is established between a vehicle-accessed, payment-gateway terminal (VAPGT) and a pre-registered, key-enabled, personal transaction device (PTD). The PTD is accessed using a privacy card and a transaction request is transmitted to a server. Further, a transaction authorization message is received from the server to complete the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-phase personal care composition containing at least two visually distinct phases wherein at least one phase contains a particle. The phases form a pattern and are packaged in physical contact while remaining stable over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal care compositions containing interference pigments, a dispersed oil phase and a continuous aqueous phase. Preferably, the interference pigments are hydrophobically modified interference pigments. The inventors have found that hydrophobically modifying the pigments significantly improves the deposition of the particles on skin from rinsable compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal care composition that contains a rinse-off composition which deposits at least 0.5 &mgr;g/cm2 of shiny particles on the skin. Preferably, the shiny particles are hydrophobically modified interference pigments. The inventors have found that hydrophobically modifying the particles significantly improves the deposition of the particles on skin from rinsable compositions.

Abstract: Skin care compositions and methods for regulating the condition of mammalian keratinous tissue containg an effective amount of a dialkanoyl hydroxyproline compound and a second skin care compound selected from hexamidine compounds, sugar amine compounds and their combination. These compositions may be either an emulsion or a solution wherin the dialkanoyl hydroxyproline compound may be converted to its salt for incorporation into the aqueous phase of a compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to warming apparatus'. More particularly the present invention relates to a hot plate warming apparatus adapted to warm a candle or other object resting thereon, as well as to provide illumination, to simulating the effects of a lighted burning candle. The apparatus can be configured to include one or a combination of features, such as an adjustable cord apparatus, a light source, or attachment means. The light source is adapted to be positioned proximal to the hot plate for providing illumination to an object or substance resting on the hot plate or housing. The adjustable cord apparatus is adapted to provide electricity to the warming apparatus while allowing a user to alter the length of the cord that is extending from the warming apparatus. Attachment means is adapted to permit additional peripheral components or materials to be removably coupled to the warming apparatus, such as interchangeable face plates, covers, craft objects, or module objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot plate warming apparatus adapted to warm a candle or other object resting thereon, as well as to provide illumination that simulates the effects of a lighted burning candle. The apparatus may include an adjustable cord apparatus, a light source, and/or a component enabling attachment of other peripheral components. The light source is positioned proximal to the hot plate for providing illumination to an object or substance resting on the hot plate or housing. The adjustable cord apparatus provides electricity to the warming apparatus while allowing a user to alter the length of the cord that is extending from the warming apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a blower to facilitate heating of a candle placed thereon, as well as to cause scented particles emanating from the melted wax or wax-like substance to be better dispersed or dissipated into the surrounding air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable, single use personal care cleansing product having a water insoluble substrate and from about 2% to about 400% of a composition, by weight of the substrate, comprising, (i) a silicone selected from the group consisting of dimethicone, dimethiconol, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a lathering surfactant, wherein (i) and (ii) are in a ratio of from about 1:20 to about 5:1, and wherein the composition is combined prior to being added onto or impregnated into the substrate, and wherein the product is capable of generating an Average Lathering Volume of greater than or equal to about 30 ml.

Abstract: Disclosed are skin care compositions that are suitable for application on absorbent articles such as panty liners and interlabial products for delivery of the skin care compositions onto an external or internal area of the skin. The skin care compositions comprise low concentrations of skin treatment agents that are effective in preventing and/or reducing skin disorders related to erythema, malodor, and skin bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable, single use personal care cleansing product having a water insoluble substrate and from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight of the water insoluble substrate of a chelating surfactant added onto or impregnated into the substrate. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such cleansing product as well as a method of manufacturing the skin or hair with the cleansing product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleansing composition containing from about 1% to about 74% by weight of the cleansing composition of a surfactant composition, wherein the surfactant composition further includes from about 5% to about 100% by weight of the surfactant composition of a chelating surfactant; and from about 0% to about 95% by weight of the surfactant composition of a non-chelating surfactant; and from about 1% to about 75% by weight of the cleansing composition of an inorganic or organic salt having divalent metal counterions, wherein, the ratio of the salt to the surfactant composition is from about 0.35 to about 4.0.

Abstract: An intelligent filter increases the user-friendliness of a computer graphical user interface (GUI) by determining user preferences based on user interaction with the GUI and changing the GUI accordingly. The filter monitors a graphical user interface to determine what frames and frame content are frequently used and remove frames and frame content of the interface that are not commonly used by an individual user. The interface is rearranged to cover any gaps. Additionally, the user is tracked to websites that the user frequents. Links to those websites are given emphasis on the rearranged user interface. The user is notified if changes are made to a favored website. The user is rewarded with discounts and other prizes for frequently going to a particular website.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions suitable for use as sunscreens which comprise a UVA sunscreen active and a carrier suitable for application to the skin. These compositions are substantially free of benzylidene camphor derivatives and provide excellent stability, efficiency, and UV protection efficacy in a safe, economical and aesthetically appealing manner. The compositions have a Sunscreen Efficiency Index of at least about 1.75, a UVA Efficacy Value of at least about 0.5, a UVA Photostability Index of at least about 0.85, a UVB Photostability Index of at least about 0.85, and a Transparency Value of less than about 10. Methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to leave on, skin care compositions, comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30% of a sunscreen active, (b) from about 0.5% to about 20% of a hydrophobic, structuring agent, (c) from about 0.2% to about 10% of a hydrophilic surfactant, (d) from about 0.1% to about 5% of a thickening agent, (e) from about 0.1% to about 25% of a skin lightening agent and (f) water. These compositions are useful for providing (i) protection to human skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and (ii) a skin lightening benefit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions suitable for use as sunscreens which provide excellent stability, efficiency, and UV protection efficacy in a safe, economical and aesthetically appealing manner (on-skin transparency, low skin irritation). Methods of use for these compositions are also disclosed. The compositions comprise:a) a safe and effective amount of a UVA-absorbing dibenzoylmethane sunscreen active;b) a safe and effective amount of a stabilizing agent having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.1 ' are independently in the para or meta position and are independently a hydrogen atom or a straight- or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 is a straight- or branched-chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl radical; and R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions suitable for use as sunscreens which have improved storage stability and improved retention of UV absorbance capability. Methods of using the compositions are also disclosed. The compositions comprise an emulsion comprising a safe and effective amount of a UVA-absorbing dibenzoylmethane sunscreen active in one or more oil phases, a safe and effective amount of a formaldehyde donor preservative in one or more aqueous phases, and an emulsifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring ion concentration of a solution includes an ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET), a reference device, an ISFET control circuit, a memory, a measurement circuit and a diagnostic circuit. The ISFET has a drain, a source, an ion sensitive gate region and a plurality of device characteristics. The reference device is separated from the gate region by a sample solution. The ISFET control circuit is coupled to the ISFET and operates the ISFET at a drain-source voltage V.sub.DS and at n successive drain currents I.sub.Di and corresponding gate-source voltages V.sub.GSi, wherein i is an integer from 1 to n and n is an integer greater than 1. The memory stores the plurality of device characteristics and the n successive drain currents I.sub.Di and gate-source voltages V.sub.GSi. The measurement circuit measures ion concentration of the solution as a function of at least one of the n successive drain currents I.sub.Di and gate-source voltages V.sub.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting and locking tubular elements in preselected angular relationships. The connector assembly includes a pair of clevis having tube engaging elements at one end and three clevis rings at the other. The clevis rings of each clevis are interengaged and define a bore. The bore has a plurality of grooves therein. Locking elements, including a locking pin and a locking plug are inserted in the bore. The locking pin and locking plug each have a pair of opposed raised ribs and a pair of opposed resilient locking arms that engage the grooves in the bore. Detents on the ends of the resilient arms engage a space between the interengaged clevis rings to secure the locking elements in place. The tubular elements can be interconnected in a system of frames to suspend function and decorative panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which are useful for providing protection to the skin of humans from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. In particular the present invention relates to compositions having improved chemical, physical, and photostability. These compositions comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% of a dibenzoylmethane sunscreen compound, from about 0.1% to about 20% of a surface-treated zinc oxide, and a carrier suitable for application to the skin.