Abstract: A hair care device (100) comprises a heat source (103) for heating hair up till a first temperature that is no more than 150° C. (and thus lower than a critical temperature at which hair cuticle damage will occur), and a radiation source (102) for—in combination with heat from the heat source (103)—selectively heating a hair cortex to a second temperature exceeding the first temperature and sufficiently high for hair styling.

Abstract: A DTS system resistant to radiation induced attenuation losses during the service life of an installation at both low and high temperatures using matched multi-wavelength distributed temperature sensing automatic calibration technology in combination with designed Pure Silica Core (PSC) optical fibers and an in process photo bleaching method provided by the light sources of the distributed temperature sensing system.

Abstract: A DTS system resistant to radiation induced attenuation losses during the service life of an installation at both low and high temperatures using matched multi-wavelength distributed temperature sensing automatic calibration technology in combination with designed Pure Silica Core (PSC) optical fibers and an in process photo bleaching method provided by the light sources of the distributed temperature sensing system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating keratinous fibers, especially hair fibers, comprising at least one step of at least partially bleaching the fibers, in which at least one region to be treated is exposed to at least one light pulse, characterized in that this pulse is generated by a diode-pumped laser or by a regenerative amplifier laser.

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition that includes at least one zeta potential modifier and a hydrophobic agent with a melting point or glass transition temperature below 100° C. that imparts fabric protection benefits, including improved stain and soil resistance, oil repellency, water repellency, softness, wrinkle and damage resistance, and better handfeel to treated fabrics. Treatment compositions can be used as a pretreatment prior to washing, through soaking, or added to the treatment liquor, that is either the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, to first provide and then maintain and restore the beneficial fabric protection benefits imparted to the fabrics during a first treatment operation. The fabric treatment is complete when the fabric is cured by drying and/or heating.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates identifying expansion cards installed in a computer system. The system operates by first examining a device tree for the computer system to identify nodes within the device tree that are associated with the computer expansion cards. Next, the system obtains a subset of parameters from the device tree that are associated with the computer expansion cards, and then performs a pattern match between the subset of parameters for each card and entries in an information file to identify each computer expansion card.

Abstract: In an exposure apparatus of the invention, for a spatial light modulator, each of a plurality of pixel portions fewer than the total number of the pixel portions is controlled with a control signal generated according to exposure information. Namely, a part of the pixel portions is controlled without controlling a whole of the pixel portions on the substrate. Thus, the number of pixels in the pixel portions is decreased, and transfer time of the control signal becomes short. This enables modulation speed of the laser beam to be increased and the high-speed exposure to be performed. An incorporated laser light source, in which the laser beams are incorporated and struck on the optical fiber, is preferable to the laser device. By adopting the incorporated laser light source, high brightness and high output can be obtained, and it is preferable to the exposure of the spatial light modulator. Since the fiber array is obtained with few optical fibers, it is low cost.

Abstract: A three-dimensional soldering inspection apparatus and method. The three-dimensional soldering inspection apparatus includes a lighting module provided with a plurality of light emitting devices, a photographing unit installed at a portion of the lighting module to photograph a subject placed inside the lighting module, an image processing unit to capture each frame image from an image photographed by the photographing unit, a storage unit to store data of each frame image, a control unit to extract three-dimensional features from each frame image and restore the extracted features as a three-dimensional image, and a display unit to display the three-dimensional image under the control of the control unit.

Abstract: A process for making a pattern according to intended design on cloth or clothing, particularly denim clothing, dyed with a colorant or a dye through decolorizing is provided. Fabric or clothing dyed with a colorant or a dye is impregnated with a substance forming an oxidized active species upon electrolysis and inserted between a pair of electrodes, and electricity is applied to the electrodes, whereby only a part where electricity is applied is selectively decolorized to make a pattern with gradated effect.

Abstract: An alkaline hair bleaching composition comprising (a) from about 0.01% to about 12%, by weight, of at least one oxidizing agent; (b) from about 0.2% to about 20%, by weight, of a buffering system, present in an amount sufficient to generate a pH of the composition in the range from about 5 to about 11, wherein said buffering system comprises at least one pH modifying ingredient selected from the group consisting of (i) borates buffers, (ii) alkalizing agents, and mixtures thereof; (c) from about 150 ppm to about 5,000 ppm of at least one stabilizer; and (d) from about 0.01% to about 50%, by weight, of at least one hair care ingredient selected from the group consisting of (i) surfactants, (ii) catalysts, (iii) thickeners, (iv) conditioners, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of liquid or gel detergents. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for removing stains and/or odors and for disinfecting fabrics by applying a liquid or gel detergent composition to the fabric and subjecting the fabric to microwaves. This method provides enhanced cleaning and improved stain removal. These cleaning compositions comprise a bleaching agent, preferably diacyl peroxide in a liquid or gel detergent formulation. These compositions in combination with the method of microwaving are also very effective in disinfecting and deodorizing fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing wool or animal hair material with improved properties such as shrink-proofed (anti-felting tendency), increased whiteness, improved dyeability, increased softness and/or reduced pilling tendency, the method comprising the steps of treating wool, wool fibers or animal hair material in a process selected from the group consisting of plasma treatment processes and the Delhey process, and subjecting the wool or animal hair material to a treatment with a proteolytic enzyme (a protease), preferably a serine protease, more preferably a subtilisin, in an amount effective for improving the properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing wool or animal hair material with improved properties such as shrink-proofed (anti-felting tendency), increased whiteness, improved dyeability, increased softness and/or reduced pilling tendency, the method comprising the steps of treating wool, wool fibres or animal hair material in a process selected from the group consisting of plasma treatment processes and the Delhey process, and subjecting the wool or animal hair material to a treatment with a proteolytic enzyme (a protease), preferably a serine protease, more preferably a subtilisin, in an amount effective for improving the properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing cork articles, in particular cork stoppers for wine bottles, which involves treating cork with a phenol oxidizing enzyme. Preferred phenol oxidizing enzymes are laccase, peroxidase, catechol oxidase, and o-aminophenol oxidase. The treatment with a phenol oxidizing enzyme reduces the characteristic cork taint/astringency which is frequently imparted to the bottled wine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the two-step direct dyeing of keratin fibres, comprising bleaching the keratin fibres; and applying to the keratin fibres a dye composition comprising at least one partially dissolved basic direct dye and an aqueous medium, wherein the dye composition is ready to use or results from mixing, at the time of use, at least one pulverulent composition (P) comprising at least one basic direct dye and an aqueous composition (A).

Abstract: The performance of photobleaches such as the zinc phthalocyanines is enhanced by means of alkylene amino/carboxylate or alkylene amino/phosphonate chelants. Thus, sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine plus diethylenetriamine pentaacetate provide enhanced photobleaching of laundered fabrics. Detergent compositions comprising the improved photobleach systems are provided.

Abstract: A method of altering skin tissues by application of light energy. Hair coloring is altered by introduction of melanin to the hair and hair follicle. Delivery of melanin is enhance by encapsulation in a liposome. Liposomes are specifically selected for the ability to bind to the tissues of the epidermis. Light energy is applied to release the melanin and assist binding to the targeted tissues. Light energy is preferably provided by one of several laser light sources. The light energy is matched to the absorption of the melanin to reduce absorption and damage to surrounding untargeted skin tissues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bleaching and cleaning fibers of a fiber web. The method and apparatus includes continuously forming and moving a fiber web through a bleaching and cleaning station. Directing ultraviolet light onto the surface of the fiber web forming a bleaching and cleaning line. Selecting an intensity and frequency for the ultraviolet light sufficient to separate micro trash and dust from the fibers while simultaneously destroying pigment of the fibers. Collecting and removing the micro dust and trash while conveying the fiber web to subsequent fiber processing apparatus.

Abstract: The use of substituted phthalocyaines for removing stains from fabrics which comprises treating the stained fabrics with an aqueous composition comprising a phthalocyanine in which at least one of the peripheral carbon atoms in the 1-16 position of the phthalocyanine nucleus (M.sub.k Pc) of Formula (1), ##STR1## wherein: M is selected from H, metal, halometal, oxymetal and hydroxymetal; andk is the inverse of 1/2 the valency of M;is linked via an oxygen atom to an aromatic radical and the remaining peripheral carbon atoms are unsubstituted or substituted by any combination of atoms or groups and sulphonated derivatives thereof provided that the phthalocyanine absorbs electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength from 650 nm to 800 nm.

Abstract: A process for improving the results of cosmetic treatments on bleached hair is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for bleaching a lock or portion of lock of hair, at least partially, by irradiation of the lock using a laser beam in the form of pulses, and a device for implementation of same.

Abstract: A process for bleaching at least one lock or portion of a lock of hair, at least partially, by irradiation is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying the surface of a fabric which comprises the successive steps of: i) exposing the fabric surface to UV radiation; and ii) oxidative treatment of the fabric.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a textile material comprisinga) applying evenly a liquor solution (hereinafter referred to as "the liquor") for performing the treatment to the material in such a manner that the dry weight uptake of the solution at the end of this step is no more than 200%;b) then passing the material into a high frequency field of 10-50 MHz for 1 to 120 seconds; andc) optionally maintaining the material at the temperature that the material reaches in the high frequency field for up to 15 minutes (preferably 1-5 minutes).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the continuous pretreatment of a long cloth produced commercially in completely gaseous system, in which, by utilizing the combination of a desizing and scouring process in a low temperature plasma atmosphere and a bleaching process in an atmosphere of ozone and ultraviolet ray radiation, and thus entirely no application of liquid system.

Abstract: A sheet of paper, plastic or the like on which an image has been formed using a toner that is photochemically decolorizable by absorption of near infrared rays is illuminated with near infrared rays under the state wherein the image is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass-transition temperature of a binding resin of the toner. The color of the toner can thereby be easily and rapidly eliminated. This enables the reuse of the sheet to be realized easily and at a low cost.

Abstract: The detergent additive granulate is a coated co-granulate containing at least one enzyme and at least one photobleaching agent. If a detergent, a component of which is such detergent additive granulate, is used for laundering, the photobleaching agent will not tend to adhere selectively to the laundry during the initial washing process.

Abstract: A process for selectively decolorizing a garment containing cellulosic material which comprises the steps of providing said garment with a dye or coloring agent reactive to ozone, wetting said garment and then contacting said wetted garment with ozone or a mixture of steam and ozone whereby the ozone is reacted with the dye or coloring agent.

Abstract: Cork articles are bleached by a treatment by means of an alkaline aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and by drying the articles, impregnated with hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an ultraviolet radiation. No figure.

Abstract: A photoactivator dye composition includes microcapsules of a solid dispersion of a water-soluble photoactivator dye in an encapsulating material that is quickly soluble in water. In a method of preparing such a photoactivator dye composition, the photoactivator dye is dissolved in an aqueous medium, the solution thus obtained is mixed with an aqueous solution of the encapsulating material, the mixture thus obtained is converted into droplets, and the moisture content of these droplets is reduced to form a solid solution. The photoactivator dye composition may advantageously be used in a detergent composition which additionally includes a surfactant and conventional detergent ingredients.

Abstract: A cover in the form of a blanket has a protective grid of phosphorescent material that when exposed to light and placed in a dark environment emits light for a period of time. The protective grid is a pattern of intersecting ribbons of phosphorescent material anchored to and covering substantially one surface of a fabric. The protective grid provides a visual light shield that creates an image of protection and is useable for amusement and entertainment.

Abstract: Dyeing or finishing process characterized in that textile materials are impregnated in a padding machine with aqueous dyeing or finishing baths which contain, besides graft polymers, which may be obtained from a product of addition of an alkylene oxide to an at least trivalent aliphatic alcohol containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms and methacrylamide or acrylamide, and in that the fixing of the dyes or of the finish is then performed continuously by a treatment with microwaves for 5 to 30 seconds.The process permits an excess water input on all the textile materials and a rapid fixing by the microwaves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for artificially bleaching or lightening hair by exposing the hair to intense radiation of artificial light. The light is typically from a laser or flashlamp source and provides adequate intensity and power during the lifetime of the excited melanin molecule in the hair to substantially destroy at least some of the melanin molecules in the hair.

Abstract: Detergent compositions adopted for bleaching via photoactivation, e.g., by irradiation with visible light, are comprised of (i) at least one sensitizing agent of xanthene dyestuff type, e.g., a fluorescein, and (ii) at least one cyclic tertiary mono-, di- or tetramine, e.g., DABCO.

Abstract: Novel azaphthalocyanines are described which are of the formula ##STR1## in which Me is Al(III), Zn(II), Ge(IV) or Sn(IV), E is an anionic group, Z is a cation, Y is a halogen, n is any desired number from 1 to 3 and p is any desired number from 0 to 2, the sum n+p being at most 8 and A, B, C and D independently of one another completing a benzene ring or a ring of the formula ##STR2## at least one of the rings completed by A, B, C or D being one of the said heterocyclic rings.The novel compounds can be used as photoactivators, in particular for bleaching textiles and for controlling microorganisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates.Bleaching, washing and steeping agents and antimicrobially active agents are also described which contain the novel azaphthalocyanine compounds.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials and more particularly wood shavings, pulps, and cellulosic textile fibres are exposed to the combined action of microwaves and at least one oxidizing agent.In particular, the process makes it possible to improve the brightness of the end product.

Abstract: Activated detergent bleach composition comprising a peroxide compound bleach, a manganese catalyst and a detergency builder composition comprising:(i) a mixture of water-soluble, non-phosphorus organic sequestering builder and an alkaline buffer in a weight ratio of organic sequestering builder to alkaline buffer of from 10:1 to 1:60; or(ii) a mixture of alkali metal triphosphate and alkali metal pyrophosphate, the latter being present in at least 5% by weight of the former, but not more than 15% by weight of the total composition,the composition having a pH under use conditions of 9.5 to 12.0.The compositions are suitable for bleaching and cleaning fabrics at lower temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel zinc and aluminium phthalocyanine compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein MePc is the zinc or aluminium phthalocyanine ring system, M is hydrogen or a salt-forming cation, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a group of the formula --NH--CN or NH--SO.sub.2 R.sub.3 or the salts thereof, wherein R.sub.3 is alkyl, aryl or a heterocyclic ring system, R.sub.2 is a neutral, non-solubilizing substituent, n is 1 to 4 and each of m and q is 0 to 3 and p is 0 to 4. These compounds are prepared by starting from the corresponding sulfohalides. The novel compounds are used as photoactivators, especially for bleaching and removing stains from textiles and for combating microorganisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates. The invention also relates to bleaching, detergent and soaking and microbicidal compositions which contain the novel phthalocyanine compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preventing the gelation of concentrated aqueous photoactivator solutions containing sulfonated zinc or aluminium phthalocyanines. The process comprises passing a crude solution containing these compounds, when preparing the solutions, through a semipermeable asymmetrical membrane having a pore diameter of 1 to 500 .ANG.. This membrane consists of a basic structure of cellulose acetate, polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer of acrylonitrile and other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. This basic structure is modified in specific manner with ionic groups. The concentrated photoactivator solutions so obtained have excellent storage stability, do not gel, and contain exceedingly small amounts of inorganic and organic impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of solid photoactivator formulations containing sulfonated zinc or aluminum phthalocyanines. The process comprises passing a crude solution containing these compounds through a semipermeable asymmetrical membrane having a pore diameter of 1 to 500 .ANG. and drying the photoactivator solution obtained under mild conditions. The membrane consists of a basic structure of cellulose acetate, polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer of acrylonitrile and other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. This basic structure is modified in a specific manner with ionic groups. If desired, fillers and/or surfactants customarily employed in the detergent industry may be added to the concentrated solution before it is dried.The solid photoactivator formulations so obtained have excellent storage stability, are substantially non-hygroscopic, and contain exceedingly small amounts of undesirable organic impurities.

Abstract: A method of bleaching fabrics comprises contacting the fabrics with a liquor containing a surfactant and a chlorite such as sodium chlorite and irradiating the fabric and/or the liquor with ultra-violet light derived from an artificial source or from daylight. The liquor has a pH ideally above 8.5. A UV-light exposure equivalent to 2 hours daylight gives good results. The liquor may contain a number of other components common in bleaching products. The composition is a particulate detergent composition comprising at least 1% by weight of surfactant, 0.1-40% by weight of chlorite and less than 20% by weight of water, yielding a pH of about 8.5-11 when dispersed in water at a concentration of 0.5-10 g/l. The compositions are stable on storage and the time and degree of bleaching can be controlled by control of the exposure to UV-light.

Abstract: A process is proposed for bleaching textiles or removing stains from textiles and for combating micro-organisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates, or for protecting the latter against attack by micro-organisms, by treating the textiles or the substrates to be freed of or protected from micro-organisms with a water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine, in the presence of water and under irradiation with light, in which process a sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine which is further substituted by neutral groups which do not confer solubility in water, for example by halogen atoms or pseudo-halogens, or a mixture of these phthalocyanine compounds, is used as the water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning composition in solid or liquid form contains a fabric softening agent and a halite material such as sodium chlorite as a bleaching and/or germicidal agent. When in liquid form the composition may contain a stabilizing material to improve physical stability. In use, fabrics are contacted with a liquor containing the composition and the fabric and/or the liquor is irradiated with UV-light from an artificial source or from daylight.

Abstract: Detergent additive compositions having improved storage stability in granular detergent compositions comprise a storage-sensitive detergent additive material releasably enclosed within a water-soluble glassy matrix of amorphous phosphate having the formula I:(M.sub.2 O).sub.x (P.sub.2 O.sub.5)y Iwherein M is hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium or a substituted ammonium group, y has a value in the range from 2 to 50, and the ratio of x:y is from 0.7:1 to 1.7:1. The storage sensitive additive material is preferably a multifunctional photo-activator/dye.

Abstract: Bleach compositions comprising a weakly coloring to non-coloring porphine photo-activator and process for bleaching substrates or liquids using said porphine photo-activator are disclosed. The porphine photo-activator used and as defined herein is selected such that the lowest energy allowed electronic transition of the photo-activator molecule gives rise to an absorption band (Q band) with maximum intensity at a wavelength greater than 700 nm.

Abstract: A process is proposed for bleaching textiles or removing stains from textiles and for combating micro-organisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates, or for protecting the latter against attack by micro-organisms, by treating the textiles or the substrates to be freed of or protected from micro-organisms with a water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine, in the presence of water and under irradiation with light, in which process a sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine which is further substituted by neutral groups which do not confer solubility in water, for example by halogen atoms or pseudo-halogens, or a mixture of these phthalocyanine compounds, is used as the water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine.

Abstract: A composition in solid or liquid form for machine dishwashing is disclosed, containing a builder such as a phosphate salt, an alkaline material such as sodium silicate and a halite such as sodium chlorite. The composition is for use with a machine incoporating an ultraviolet light source to irradiate the dishes and/or the liquor. The composition may also include a low-foaming or non-foaming surfactant and other usual adjuncts, especially enzymes. An exemplified composition is 33% tripolyphosphate, 27% sodium disilicate, 33% chlorite, 7% sodium tetraborate.

Abstract: The invention discloses fabric conditioning compositions which contain, as bleach photoactivator, an aluminium or zinc phthalocyanine which is substituted by cationic water-solubilizing groups, and also cationic fabric conditioners such as cationic surfactants, softeners, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents and/or microbicides. The invention also provides a method of washing, rinsing and bleaching fabrics utilizing the compositions of the invention, as well as novel aluminium and zinc phthalocyanines which contain quaternary ammonium groups and ternary sulfonium groups as substituents.

Abstract: A photobleaching liquid cleaning composition contains 1% to 79.9% by weight of detersive surfactant, with or without a detergency builder; 0.1 to 40% by weight of a chlorite, and at least about 20% by weight of a liquid base, the composition yielding a pH of at least 6 when dissolved in water at a concentration of about 0.5 g/l.The composition is suitable for the laundering of fabrics as well as for the use in the manual cleaning of dishes or in general purpose cleaning of hard surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for improving the appearance of used textiles which contains a photoactivator and a fluorescent whitening agent which is a distyrylbiphenylsulfonic acid or a salt thereof and/or a 4,4'-bis-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-2,2'-stilbenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof. The invention also provides soaking, detergent or rinsing liquors containing such compositions as well as a method of improving the appearance of used textiles which comprises the use of the compositions and liquors of the invention.