Abstract: The present invention provides methods for microencapsulation of active ingredients for topical application, whereby double-layer and triple-layer microcapsules are obtained. The microcapsules protect the active ingredients, maintain their original activity throughout processing, formulation and storage, and enable controlled release of the active ingredient only upon application onto the skin.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of ascorbic acid and compositions comprising them are provided. The novel derivatives are of the following general formula (I): where R1 is a C2–C22 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, amino acid residues, or a C1–C17 alkyl ; R2 is a group of the following formula (II) wherein R5 or R6 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a C1–C4 alkyl, or R5 is C1–C4 alkyl group and R6 is a metal cation or ammonium cation; R3 or R4 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, C2–C22 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, amino acid residues, or a C1–C17 alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for microencapsulation of active ingredients for topical application, whereby single-layer and multi-layer, preferably double-layer, microcapsules, are obtained. The microcapsules protect the active ingredients, maintain their original activity throught processing, formulation and storage, and enable controlled release of the active ingredient only upon application onto the skin.

Abstract: A compact-sized fingerprint imaging device includes an optical plate for creating a fingerprint pattern at a finger field on the optical plate. The fingerprint pattern is illuminated with light from an illuminating tool to create imaging light rays. A small thickness of the optical plate, and hence of the fingerprint imaging device, is possible due to a design that includes an array of microreflectors covering a part of the optical plate, the microreflectors being distributed along a base surface. The imaging light rays from the fingerprint pattern that are reflected by the array of microreflectors are received by an imaging lens that projects an image of the fingerprint pattern to an image sensor.

Abstract: A method for microencapsulation of substances is provided. The substance(s) is/are dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent of the kind that is partially miscible in water media. This organic solution is then mixed with an aqueous solution, which is saturated with an organic solvent and an emulsifier to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then poured into water under continuous agitation for the extraction of residual solvent. The formation of the solid capsules takes place during this extraction process. The capsules are undergone to further purification, whereby the microcapsules can be separated from the water and dried. By conditions of incubation of microcapsules in water-containing formulations the wall-softening process takes place. The unique system for controlled releasing the ingredients from microcapsules is based on the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of ascorbic acid and compositions comprising them are provided. The novel derivatives are of the following general formula (I): where R1 is a C2-C22 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, amino acid residues, or a C1-C17 alkyl ; R2 is a group of the following formula (II) wherein R5 or R6 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a C1-C4 alkyl, or R5 is C1-C4 alkyl group and R6 is a metal cation or ammonium cation; R3 or R4 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, C2-C22 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, amino acid residues, or a C1-C17 alkyl.

Abstract: An expansion card with an integrated fingerprint acquisition system is provided hat is able to be connected to a portable computer. In one aspect of the invention, CMCIA standards are used for the expansion card. The expansion card is built such the fingerprint acquisition system is on a slidable carriage which may extend out from the expansion card housing, or may be retracted into the housing when the fingerprint acquisition system is not in use. A locking mechanism keeps the carriage in the retracted position, and a spring provides the force necessary to slide the carriage into the extended position when pressure is placed on the slidable carriage. An advantage of the invention is that the fingerprint recognition device is small enough to fit within a PCMCIA standard expansion card.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an optical plate made of an optically transparent material and forming a surface for receiving a finger. The imaging device includes a light source and an imaging system. The light source is positioned to illuminate the finger receiving surface. The imaging system is positioned to receive light collected from the finger receiving surface and to form an image of a fingerprint pattern of the finger based on the received light. To reduce a thickness of the optical plate, the optical plate may have an index of refraction less than 1.49. In another design to reduce the thickness of the optical plate, the optical plate may have an index of refraction less than the index of refraction of finger skin. The optical plate may be made of a silicone material.

Abstract: A fingerprint imaging device includes an optical plate and an imaging system. The optical plate includes an optically-transparent base having a first surface covered with an array of microstructures and a coating deposited on the first surface for receiving a finger. To enable fingerprint imaging, the coating has an index of refraction that is different from the index of refraction of the base.

Abstract: A fingerprint imaging device includes an optical plate having a finger receiving surface for creating an image of a fingerprint pattern. The fingerprint pattern is illuminated with light from an illuminating tool to create imaging light rays. The imaging light rays from the fingerprint pattern are received by an imaging lens that projects an image of the fingerprint pattern to an image sensor. Another light source is provided to project a light beam onto finger receiving surface. This light source is used to determine whether an object on the finger receiving surface is real or fake.