Abstract: An assistance device that more appropriately identifies a user using speech. The assistance device is provided with a speech detector, a name acquiring section that acquires a name of a person based on speech detected by the speech detector, and a user identifying section that identifies a care receiver who is a user of the assistance device based on the name acquired by the name acquiring device.

Abstract: A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient turning device for a patient support apparatus. The patient turning device includes a first and second bladder assembly each including a plurality of layers and seals defining a bladder volume. The bladder volumes are selectively inflatable with fluid to expand the respective bladder assembly, and consequently move a patient support surface of the patient support apparatus. A portion of a lower layer of the first bladder assembly and a portion of an upper layer of the second bladder assembly define an overlapping region of the bladder volumes. The patient turning device is coupled to an underside of a carrier sheet and positioned between a crib assembly and a bottom cover. An augmenting feature is configured to resiliently expand as at least one of the first and second bladder assemblies receives the fluid to move at least a portion of the crib assembly away from a patient support deck.

Abstract: A patient rotation system for rotating the body of a patient comprises an air inflatable cushion having two elastic exterior surfaces, e.g. of stretch material, wherein one of said two elastic surfaces of said cushion forms the top surface, and the other one forms the bottom surface. In deflated state the cushion has a flat shape and in inflated state the two elastic surfaces bulge away from each other, such that inflation of the cushion causes the cushion to assume a wedge shape thereby rotating the body around said rotation axis. The cushion is embodied as a unitary, semi-rigid, portable board when in its deflated state, which enables the sliding of the deflated cushion in between the body of the patient and a horizontal surface, on which the body is lying in supine position, until its posterior support points are being supported by the cushion at its top elastic surface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a base and further includes an indication system having one or more clearance sensors configured to detect clearance within a clearance zone between the patient support surface and a floor surface and are also configured to generate one or more clearance signals corresponding to the detected clearance. The indication system also includes a controller coupled to the clearance sensors that is configured to receive the one or more clearance signals and generate an output based upon the received clearance signals. A display coupled to the controller is configured to receive the generated output and generate a visual clearance indication corresponding to the detected clearance within the clearance zone, or in specific predefined portions of the clearance zone, that is viewable in a viewing area of the display.

Abstract: A first controller is in data communication with a first pressure sensor and is configured to receive first pressure readings, and transmit the first pressure readings. The system further includes a second controller in data communication with the second pressure sensor, the controller configured to receive one or more presence classifiers. The second controller is further configured to run the received presence classifiers on second pressure readings in order to collect one or more presence votes from the running presence classifiers. The second controller is further configured to determine, from the one or more presence votes, a presence state of a user on the second bed. The second controller is further configured to responsive to the determined presence state; operate the bed system according to the determined presence state.

Abstract: A mattress has a first support portion configure to receive and support a first user and a second support portion configured to receive and support a second user. The first support portion and the second support portion are adjacent to each other such that the first user is capable of rolling over from the first support portion to the second support portion while sleeping on the first support portion. A sensor is configured to sense first pressure in the first support portion and sense second pressure in the second support portion. The sensor is further configured to transmit data of the first pressure and the second pressure. The controller is configured to receive the data and from the data of the first pressure and the second pressure, determine if the first user has rolled over from the first support portion to the second support portion.

Abstract: A mattress supports a user. An acoustic sensor is configured to sense acoustic energy. A pressure sensor senses pressure applied to the mattress. A controller is configured to receive an acoustic stream from the acoustic sensor. The controller is further configured to receive a pressure stream from the pressure sensor. The controller is further configured to combine the acoustic stream and the pressure stream in order to generate a set of snore/breath parameters. The controller is further configured to determine that a home-automation rule includes a condition that includes the generated set of snore/breath parameters. The controller is further configured to, responsive to determining that a home-automation rule includes a condition that includes the generated set of snore/breath parameters, send an instruction to drive a controllable device to the controllable device.

Abstract: A first bed that includes a first mattress, a first pressure sensor, a first acoustic sensor, and a first controller in data communication with the first pressure sensor and the first acoustic sensor. The first controller is configured to receive first pressure readings and first acoustic readings. The first controller is further configured to transmit the first pressure readings and the first acoustic readings to a remote server. A second controller is configured to receive the one or more snore classifiers. The second controller is further configured to run the received snore classifiers on second pressure readings and on second acoustic readings in order to collect one or more snore votes from the running snore classifiers. The second controller is further configured to determine a snore state of a user on the second bed and operate the bed system according to the determined snore state.

Abstract: A first bed includes a first mattress, a first pressure sensor, and a first controller in data communication with the first pressure sensor, the first controller configured to receive pressure readings and to transmit the first pressure readings to a remote server. The system further includes a second bed that includes a second mattress having an inflatable chamber. The system further includes a second pressure sensor in fluid communication with the second mattress inflatable chamber to sense pressure applied to the second mattress of the inflatable chamber. The system further includes a second controller in data communication with the second pressure sensor, the controller configured to receive the one or more sleep-state classifiers and to run the received sleep-state classifiers in order to collect one or more sleep-state votes. The second controller is further configured to determine a sleep-state and operate the bed system according to the determined sleep-state.

Abstract: A controller is configured to receive one or more streams of data, each stream of data representing a sensed phenomenon in the environment of a bed on which a first user is sleeping and a second user is sleeping. The controller is further configured to determine that the first user is experiencing restless sleep. The controller is further configured to determine that the second user is snoring. The controller is further configured to issue a snore-control command to a controllable home automation device such that the controllable home automation device alters a feature of the second user's sleeping environment in a way that is likely to reduce the second user's snoring. The controller is further configured to determine again that that the second user is still snoring and issue a second snore-control command.

Abstract: A system can include a foundation structure and a sensor. The foundation structure can have a plurality of deck panels configured to support a mattress. The plurality of deck panels can include a head panel. The plurality of deck panels can have a head, a foot, a first side, and a second side, a first edge along the head, a second edge along the foot opposite of the first edge, a third edge along the first side, and a fourth edge along the second side opposite the third edge. The sensor can be configured to detect a sound indicative of a snore. The sensor can be positioned along the third edge or fourth edge of the head panel.

Abstract: A stationary massage device, system and corresponding methods are used for self-administrated or assisted soft tissue strain release (including trigger point therapy, strain-and-counterstrain therapy and neuromuscular release). The massage device comprises a body, wherein the body may include branches, each having flat surfaces, edges, ridges or corners. The surfaces, edges and ridges may be pushed along the myofilament direction of the soft tissues to produce pressing, rubbing, stretching and pulling actions on the soft tissues as stripping massages. The system can be configured to form different geometric shapes, and made of different materials of different firmness. The system can be further configured to perform unheated, or heated massages; and cooling treatments. In addition to being used alone, the system can be mounted on a piece of wall, a standing frame, furniture or a garment.

Abstract: The robotic upper limb rehabilitation device assists in rehabilitation of an upper limb of a human patient recovering from a stroke or the like. The device is an exoskeleton having an articulated shoulder assembly having five degrees of freedom, including at least two degrees of freedom simulating inner shoulder movement. An upper arm member is pivotally attached to the shoulder assembly, and a forearm assembly is pivotally attached to the upper arm member. An inflatable handgrip is pivotally attached to the forearm assembly. A robotic control unit receives signals from sensors and is configured to activate actuators attached to the exoskeleton to assist upper limb movement when required, or to permit the exoskeleton to conform to upper limb movement when no assistance is required.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjusting assembly for an exoskeleton robot. The adjusting assembly includes a first plate, a second plate pivotably connected to the first plate via a first shaft, and a second shaft. The first plate includes at least one pin aligned with each other in a first direction. The second shaft, extending in parallel with the first shaft in the first direction, includes a body and at least one recess. The second shaft is configured to rotate to a first position to accommodate the at least one pin in the at least one recess, and to a second position to release the at least one pin from the at least one recess. At the first position the second plate is blocked from rotation about the first shaft by the body. At the second position the second plate is allowed to rotate about the first shaft.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for monitoring mobility aids are provided. An example apparatus includes a wheel attachment assembly, a motion sensor, and a transceiver. The wheel attachment assembly is configured to removably attach to a wheel of a mobility aid. The motion sensor is configured to measure rotation of the wheel attachment assembly. The transceiver is in electronic communication with the motion sensor and configured to transmit data based on measurements from the motion sensor. An example system includes a monitoring device and a stationary communication node. The monitoring device is configured to removably attach to a mobility aid and includes a transceiver and a motion sensor configured to measure motion of the monitoring device. The stationary communication node is configured to communicate with the monitoring device. An example method generates alerts based on data from an attachable monitoring device.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, and a third inflatable bladder portion. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in a first angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally inferior to and to the side of the first bladder. The third bladder expands in a second angular direction. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the first angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region. Upon expanding in the third angular direction, the third bladder bears angularly against the user's occiput.

Abstract: A traction device has a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, and a third inflatable bladder portion. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in a first angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally inferior to and to the side of the first bladder. The third bladder expands in a second angular direction. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the first angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region. Upon expanding in the third angular direction, the third bladder bears angularly against the user's occiput.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing control method and apparatus, and a vibration massage apparatus. The method comprises: arranging a sensor which senses a trajectory of an external object, and controlling the change of output based on the direction of the trajectory. With the invention, a desirable control effect can be obtained based on the sensed direction of the trajectory of the external object without accurate positioning of the sensor. Not only the convenience of the sensing operation can be improved significantly, but also the control accuracy can be improved; meanwhile, the invention can be well applied to any device for control using several input control signals or variable input control signals for control, thus having a wide range of application and significantly optimizing user experience.

Abstract: An example tail assembly includes a bodily insertion device that extends along a longitudinal axis from a base to a tip. A shackle is secured to the base and includes a pair of spaced apart arms. The example tail assembly also includes a tail having an eyelet, and a rod inserted into respective openings in the spaced apart arms. The rod is inserted through the eyelet between the respective openings, thereby securing the tail to the bodily insertion device.

Abstract: A massage apparatus providing a pulsed electromagnetic field may comprise: a massage unit which comprises a mount frame provided so as to be movable along the body of a user, and an acupressure module protrudingly provided to the mount frame so as to apply pressure to the body of the user; a pulsed electromagnetic field generator which is provided to the mount frame so as to be independent from the acupressure module, and which generates a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of power applied thereto; and a controller which controls the operation of the acupressure module or the generation of the pulsed electromagnetic field. According to such massage apparatus, a pulsed electromagnetic field may be generated by having the pulsed electromagnetic field generator be provided to the massage unit so as to be separate from the acupressure module or air cells performing a massaging operation.

Abstract: A system for assisting a rescuer in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient includes: a proximity sensor configured to be positioned at a location corresponding to a location of a rescuer's hand when delivering compressions to a patient's chest, the proximity sensor configured to produce a signal indicative of the rescuer's hands being released from the patient's chest; a medical device operatively coupled with the proximity sensor and configured to provide resuscitative treatment to the patient; and a controller communicatively coupled with the medical device and the proximity sensor. The controller is configured to: determine, based upon the signal from the proximity sensor, if the rescuer's hands have been released from the patient's chest, and trigger an action by the medical device in response to a determination that the rescuer's hands have been released from the patient's chest.

Abstract: A spa control system where the spa's heater is disconnected from the power source anytime the water in the heater is at a higher temperature than that set by the user or more than an absolute temperature. Since the control system has a regular temperature management control, this will only occur due to a problem in the spa or the control system itself. Independent paths between a pair of temperature sensors in the heater and the relays that connect line voltage to the heater are provided to meet the safety requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Two sensors in the heater are co-located in a metal tube, placed near the heater element. A novel flow test to prevent dry fire is also taught.

Abstract: This invention comprises a mounted unit that combines the healing power of touch with functional, multi-faceted human engineering body manipulation and stress relief by incorporating the most basic principles of massage, acupressure, reflexology, rubbing/scratching, Shiatsu, and other health improvement techniques to provide the user with an easy-to-use, self-administrable stimulation experience. The unit contains a plurality of generally domed protrusions from each of which extends a nail-like rib running through the center of the domed surface, which perform the massaging experience when a user rubs his or her back against it at a pressure desirable to the user. The mounted unit can comprise a removable handheld unit that increases the body areas which can be massaged by the invention and a hinged door, behind which can be stored specialized attachments that are removably fastenable onto the protrusions for more focused massage.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus comprises a medicine containing/dispensing unit (11) for supplying medicines of various kinds; a medicine wrapping part (45) for wrapping the medicine supplied from the medicine containing/dispensing unit (11) for every one dose package by a dispensing paper (S); a medicine wrapping hopper (73) for falling down the medicine for one dose package into a dispensing paper S in the medicine wrapping part (45) and a medicine check part (5) for determining depending on a photographed image of the medicine wrapping hopper (73) whether or not the medicine is adheres to the introduction part.

Abstract: Medication packaging includes a housing. A medication container is attached with the housing by a tether. The medication container is engageable with the housing between a child resistant configuration and a medication accessible configuration. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

Abstract: The container (1) for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, comprises: a hollow body (2) for the containment of a fluid product having a neck (3); a closing element (8) having an attachment portion (9) which, in a closing configuration, is associated with the hollow body (2) along a preset breaking line (10) adapted to allow the separation of the closing element (8) from the hollow body (2) in a separation configuration wherein on the hollow body (2) is formed an opening for the outflow of the fluid product; at least a flap element (11) for supporting information, data or logos (12), joined to the attachment portion (9) and movable between an initial configuration wherein the flap element (11) is moved away from the neck (3), and a final configuration wherein the flap element (11) is fitted at least partially around the neck (3) to form a maneuver key (13) adapted to allow the removal by tearing the closing element (8) off.

Abstract: An alignment assembly for a cartridge interface of a drug delivery device is disclosed. The assembly optionally includes a coupling for opening fluid communication between the cartridge and the delivery device. For example, the coupling optionally includes a cannula insertable through a septum of the cartridge. The assembly may include a guide for positioning the cartridge and/or an access channel thereof within a first precision of a loaded position. The assembly optionally includes a cartridge engagement fitting (for example a gripping expander sleeve collar) attached to the coupling. Optionally when the cartridge is engaged to the fitting, the coupling is retained in connection with the access channel to within a second precision. The second precision is optionally higher than the first precision. In some embodiments one or more compliant supports movably retain the fitting oriented to engage the cartridge when the access channel is in the loaded position.

Abstract: A sealing element is received between a connector and an attachment member. The sealing element includes a foot section received by a recess of the connector, a shoulder engaging an inner surface of the attachment member, and a flange engaging a support surface of the connector. The sealing element also includes a cylindrical body extending from the shoulder to the flange along an insertion direction and, where the cylindrical body deforms to create a flow path through the sealing element, and a sealing head defines an opening that transitions from a closed state to an open state when the cylindrical body deforms.

Abstract: Syringe assemblies including a syringe pre-equipped with an integral liquid drug administration device for enabling administration of liquid drug contents and a drug vial adapter for telescopic mounting on a drug vial containing liquid drug contents. The drug vial adapter is initially mounted on the syringe and is intended to be manually detached therefrom to expose the integral liquid drug administration device. The syringe includes a flow control member having an initial flow path position for enabling filling the syringe with liquid drug contents from the drug vial and a final flow path position for enabling administration of liquid drug contents. Detachment of the drug vial adapter from the syringe urges the flow control member from its initial flow path position to its final flow path position.

Abstract: A pill crushing device pulverizes pills and then transfers the pulverized pills out of the device with minimal transfer loss and spillage. The device includes a pill chamber. The pill chamber may form a threaded connection with the storage portion that enables detachment. The pill is pulverized in the pill chamber. A first spoon may retains the pill and carries the pulverized pill out of the chamber along a longitudinal opening of the pill chamber. An optional second spoon detachably attaches to the first spoon to carry supplemental compositions to the pulverized pill.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and systems for counting medication. In an aspect, the device can include a collapsible container assembly, the assembly comprising: a sheet comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines, the plurality of predetermined fold lines configured to flex along the fold lines; wherein at least a portion of the sheet is configured to be folded along at least a portion of the fold lines into at least one predetermined shape having a predetermined volume; wherein the container assembly in a folded state is configured to releasably couple or engage a grid for collecting medication; and a grid comprising a plurality of openings, each opening configured to collect a unit of medication having a predetermined size and/or shape. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed counting devices and systems.

Abstract: A method of installing and removing a rotation mechanism within a plurality of pill dispensing assemblies, the method including installing the rotation mechanism in a first pill dispensing assembly of the plurality of pill dispensing assemblies, removing the rotation mechanism from the first pill dispensing assembly, and installing the rotation mechanism in a second pill dispensing assembly of the plurality of pill dispensing assemblies.

Abstract: A vent valve, and a vent valve assembly, for a liquid dispensing container, employ a vent disc having small open vent holes in cooperation with an overlying thin flexible flap that covers and closes the vent holes to limit liquid pressure on the holes when the container is upright, yet require little suction pressure to move the flap to draw liquid or vent through the holes. The vent valve can be used in a bottom cap that is attachable to the bottom open end of the container. The vent valve assembly includes such a bottom cap, a sealing member for sealing the bottom cap to the container, and a vent valve. The vent valve and/or bottom cap have an elevated vent disc and a top portion having the thin flexible flap.

Abstract: A A molar toy contains: a body and an annular member. The body is made of flexible material and is formed in a capsule shape, and the body includes a hollow cavity defined therein, a first opening and a second opening which communicate with the hollow cavity and exterior environment. The annular member is inserted into the first opening and the second opening of the body so that a part of the annular member is accommodated in the hollow cavity of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aqueous dental coating compositions and methods for enhancing contrast of intraoral surfaces for 3-dimensional digital scanning. The compositions include: an aqueous solvent system; a water soluble polymer present at no greater than 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the aqueous dental coating composition; hydrophilic particles; and hydrophobic particles, wherein the aqueous dental coating composition is a dispersion or a dispersion of the hydrophilic particles and hydrophobic particles in the aqueous solvent system can be formed by shaking the composition for 30 seconds.

Abstract: A dental composition comprising a polymerizable acidic compound of the following formula (I): wherein R1 which may be the same or different when more than one R1 is present, represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 which may be the same or different when more than one R2 is present, represents a hydrogen atom, a straight-chain or branched C1-6 alkyl group, a C3-8 cycloalkyl group or a straight-chain or branched C2-6 alkenyl group; R3 which may be the same or different when more than one R3 is present, represents a monovalent organic moiety substituted by a group selected from —COOM, —PO3M, —O—PO3M2 and —SO3M, wherein M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a metal atom; or R2 and R3 form together a divalent organic moiety substituted by a group selected from —COOM, —PO3M, —O—PO3M2 and —SO3M, wherein M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a metal atom; L represents a (m+n+1)-valent organic linker group; X represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from —COOM, —PO3M, —O—PO3M2 or —SO

Abstract: The described invention relates, in part, to cosmetic sheet structures for application to a region of skin of the human body, the cosmetic sheet structure comprising a cosmetic layer comprising material impregnated with at least active ingredient contained in the cosmetic sheet structure and transferrable to the region. According to some embodiments, the cosmetic sheet structures are used to improve the appearance of skin and/or for decorative purposes.

Abstract: Method for treating hair comprising the application onto hair of polymeric layer(s) which can removed to a large extent or even totally in an easy manner upon request of the user by using oxidizing composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of antimicrobial compositions. More particularly, it concerns the use of a composition as an antimicrobial agent, the composition comprising ingredients selected from the group consisting of: (i) nona-2,6-dien-1-ol in combination with at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of 3-neopentylpyridine, 2-methylhexan-3-one oxime, terpineol and 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol; (ii) gamma-dodecalactone in combination with at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclohexene, 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde, and 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde; (iii) (Z)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol and gamma-dodecalactone; (iv) cis-4(Isopropyl)cyclohexanemethanol and 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde; and (v) 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde and 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde, wherein the ingredients are present in an amount sufficient to provide an antimicrobial effect.

Abstract: Disclosed are personal care formulations, personal care methods and personal care devices that comprise or use a gel, lotion, cream or the like comprising (a) one or more active ingredients for providing a beneficial effect to the skin and/or hair and/or mucous membranes of a human and (b) from about 1 percent by weight to about 50 percent by weight of foam forming component(s) comprising trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd(E).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral plaque dispersion agent capable of effectively acting on dental plaque from the surface layer to the deep part thereof and exerting an excellent effect of dispersing the dental plaque. Specifically, the present invention relates to an oral plaque dispersion agent comprising (A) a water-soluble compound 3 or more of primary hydroxyl groups in the molecular structure and 100 or more and 200 or less of a chemical formula weight as an active component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid mixture containing 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one and a niacinamide compound, and also to a cosmetic composition containing such a mixture. Use for caring for, making up and cleansing keratin materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to stable cosmetic compositions that include high levels of free glycolic acid. The cosmetic compositions typically include: glycolic acid and/or a salt thereof; at least one non-silicone fatty compound; at least one emulsifier; at least one water-soluble solvent; at least one silicone; and water. The cosmetic compositions are in the form of an emulsion, in particular, a water-in-oil emulsion, and typically have a low pH of below 7. Also, the cosmetic compositions have high amount of free glycolic acid, for example, at least 6 wt. % of free glycolic acid, based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition. The cosmetic compositions are particularly useful for improving the appearance of skin. Accordingly, the instant disclosure relates to methods of treating skin, for example, improving the appearance of skin using the cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: Suggested is a blend, comprising or consisting of: (a) at least one amino acid and/or at least one protein, and (b1) at least carboxylic acid alkyl ester and/or (b2) at least one diol, and optionally (c) at least at least one additional auxiliary agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a versatile cosmetic composition in form of a liquid concentrate which is useful as additive or ingredient for conventional keratin fiber treatment compositions. It can be used as ready to use additive to conventional yet damaging treatments to which it is added at the time of the treatment. Such treatments are typically hair bleaches, hair colorants or permanent wave compositions. The concentrate comprises a combination of ingredients intended to reduce damage during treatments and/or to prevent undesired deposits on fibers. Such a composition comprises at least a thiol and a polymer or copolymer comprising cystine units. Such a composition is further useful as additive or ingredient for a keratin fiber caring or repairing composition to reduce damage caused by prior treatments and/or reduce undesired deposits on fibers by using the concentrate directly after treatments causing such deposits.

Abstract: A multicomponent packaging unit (kit of parts) for permanently changing the shape of keratinic fibers, in particular human hair, comprises the following packaged separately from one another: a container (i) containing a cosmetic agent (A), and a container (ii) containing a cosmetic agent (B), where agent (A) in container (i) contains at least one keratin-reducing compound, and agent (B) in container (ii) contains at least one compound of general formula (I) Also provides a method of using the kit and of using Bunte salts of formula (I) on hair.

Abstract: A method for coloring hair, and a kit for coloring hair are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to color-altering compositions. The compositions comprise a hair color-altering agent and at least one carboxylic acid. Certain compositions further comprise at least one amino acid or amino sulfonic acid, and/or a salt thereof selected from the group consisting of taurine, aspartic acid, cysteine, lysine, methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, carnitine, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof. Also provided are kits and methods of using said color-altering compositions.