Abstract: An insecticidal granular composition for broadcasting of the granular composition onto a body of water on which insects are to be controlled comprising: a granular carrier of size in range of from 1 to 4 mm; a composition absorbed into the granular carrier comprising a bacterially derived larvicidal active agent and a non-aqueous liquid having a density less than 1; wherein the insecticidal granular composition has an average individual granule density greater than 1 and is adapted to sink in the body of water.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: A method for producing a cell extract having agricultural pest insecticidal capacity by culturing filamentous fungi having insecticidal capacity for an agricultural pest, and a method for insecticide produced by this production method. A method for producing a cell extract having agricultural pest insecticidal capacity provided with a step for culturing filamentous fungi in solid medium and obtaining a solid culture of the filamentous fungi, a step for culturing the filamentous fungi in liquid medium and obtaining a liquid culture of the filamentous fungi, a step for separating mycelia of the filamentous fungi from the liquid culture of the filamentous fungi, a step for mixing the liquid culture from which the mycelia have been removed and the solid culture and obtaining a mixed culture, and a step for extracting a spore solution of the filamentous fungi from this mixed culture.

Abstract: A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a selective herbicide, an algal extract and manganese and/or a silicate, to the use of an algal extract, optionally combined with manganese and/or a silicate, to detoxify plants subjected to a treatment by a selective herbicide and to a method for selective herbicide treatment of a crop comprising the simultaneous, combined or sequential application of a selective herbicide and an algal extract, optionally combined with manganese and/or a silicate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to producing novel strains of green alga specifically engineered to produce an improved engineered compound over naturally occurring larvicide compound. In particular, genes were isolated and sequenced encoding naturally occurring larvicides produced by Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis), e.g. Cry proteins, were redesigned, synthesized, then introduced as heterologous transgenes into strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for producing motile larvicidal-green algae specifically lethal to larvae of mosquitoes and black flies in water systems. Thus green alga (i.e. eukaryote) as motile biocontrol agents are contemplated for use to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that transmit disease, such as West Nile virus, dengue, encephalitis, and malaria, in addition to reducing the number of adult black flies, in a safe and sustainable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mesh heating system including: two or more electrodes configured to supply a current to the wire mesh heating element; a mesh heating element comprising filaments disposed between the two or more electrodes; and a tensioner to maintain the wire mesh heating element at tension along an axis of tension as the wire mesh heating element is heated, wherein some of the filaments of the mesh heating element are disposed to intersect the axis of tension at a non-orthogonal angle.

Abstract: A compact oven is disclosed. The compact oven includes a housing having a cavity for receiving food items, and one or more blowers for directing heated air into the cavity. The compact oven also includes an air deflection plate coupled to a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles for capturing and directing a portion of heated air from the blower to the cavity via nozzles located between the air deflection plate and the nozzle plate, while allowing the remaining heated air exiting the blower to move into the cavity via nozzles not located between the air deflection plate and the nozzle plate such that the velocities of heated air exiting all nozzles into the cavity are as close to each other as possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor for a kneading machine for alimentary doughs. The rotor has a flat base formed of a plurality of arms and a plurality of mixing paddles restrained to the arms. The mixing paddles are pivotally mounted on the arms about respective axes (E, F) that are parallel to the flat base. The arms are movable between a first operating position, wherein they extend from the arms along a direction (V) that is generally perpendicular to the flat base, and a second operating position, wherein they extend from the arms in opposite directions substantially parallel to the flat base. When the rotor is mounted in a kneading machine, its paddles are proximate to a bottom of the container of the machine in the second operating position, thus acting as dough separating means.

Abstract: A composition including a matrix of at least one of a carbohydrate ingredient and a protein ingredient including a crunch in the absence of saturated fats. A composition including a matrix of at least one of a carbohydrate ingredient and a protein ingredient and an inclusion, wherein the composition includes an amount of one or more nutrients in the composition provided by the inclusion that is greater than an amount of the one or more nutrients in the inclusion processed without a matrix. A method including forming a dough including a matrix including at least one of a carbohydrate ingredient and a protein ingredient; and energy activating the dough; and forming a composition including a crunch.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a corn-based foodstuff, the process comprising the step of contacting a corn-based flour with a xylanase enzyme, as defined herein, such that a xylan-containing material native to the corn is degraded, is disclosed. Flours, masas and masa foodstuffs, especially tortillas, produced by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A poultry stunning apparatus and method, the apparatus including an electrical control module configured to apply a DC current to the poultry at a voltage sufficient to stun the poultry and to apply AC current to the stunned poultry at a voltage and for a period of time sufficient to immobilize and relax the muscles of the stunned poultry, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing damage to the poultry tissue. In the method, DC voltage/current is applied for initial stunning, followed by an AC voltage/current to immobilize poultry and to further relax the muscles of the stunned poultry, such that the poultry does not exhibit involuntary motions, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing damage to the poultry tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a food casing, in particular a sausage casing. The sausages thus produced can be dried more efficiently because of the higher initial solids content of the casing, after they leave the extruder.

Abstract: A wood chip smoker is adapted for use in an outdoor grill that has a grate and a cover movable between open and closed positions. The smoker has a base for placement on the grill grate, a perforated section mounted on the base and provided with open spaces that collectively define an inlet area, a chimney extending above the perforated section, a regulator mounted on the chimney and movable between open and closed positions for the introduction of wood chips, and an outlet area for the outflow of smoke formed in at least one of the chimney and regulator, said outlet area being between 2 and 25% of the inlet area in size.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing contamination of an object such as food with enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), comprising contacting said object with colicin M or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A tea-flavoured beverage concentrate, comprising a beverage concentrate base in which tea flavour is provided by the incorporation of tea distillate. Dilution of this composition results in a tea-flavoured beverage that suffers from less of the cloudiness, precipitation or sedimentation that has previously been encountered in preparing tea-flavoured concentrates.

Abstract: A kit for preparing a decorated cake, which comprises a hollow receptacle that is shaped and dimensioned, essentially according to a desired size and shape of a cake to be prepared; an edible and ready to use rolled fondant applied to, and in engagement with, at least most of an inner face of said receptacle to define a fondant interior; and a cover for releasably covering said receptacle and for retaining said fondant in a fresh condition. A ready to serve decorated cake is exposable upon introduction of cake material into said fondant interior and inversion and subsequent removal of said receptacle.

Abstract: A sealed pack (440) contains quantities of ingredients to make an individual smoothie portion. The ingredients comprise a flavour ingredient (410) such as pieces of fruit (strawberries, raspberries, mango), a frozen portion of liquid (420) such as water, fruit juice, milk, coffee or tea; and a consistency ingredient (430) such as ice-cream, sorbet and yoghurt. The pack may be subjected to a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the frozen state of some of the ingredients in the pack (440). Also disclosed is a method of packaging the ingredients into the pack, or into first and second containers, or into a container with compartments for different ingredients in frozen and unfrozen states; and a method of preparing an individual smoothie using the sealed pack wherein the ingredients are blended with additional liquid; and an apparatus that uses sealed pack for automatically vending an individual smoothie portion.

Abstract: A method of refrigerating a product by a refrigeration machine, including a source of supply of refrigerant fluid, a conduit to evacuate the refrigerant fluid, and a refrigeration chamber to receive the product to be refrigerated. The product is contained in a container disposed in the refrigeration chamber. The method involves an operation of refrigerating the refrigeration chamber by the refrigerant fluid and evacuating the refrigerant fluid by the conduit, wherein the container is in direct contact with the refrigerant fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that, when assembled, creates a Popsicle®-like frozen confection having a container containing an alcoholic liquid, where the user employs a plunger to drive the alcoholic liquid upward through a lumen in the frozen confection so that the user may simultaneously consume the frozen confection and ingest the alcoholic liquid. The device is a four-piece assembly. The first member is a handle with a plunger disposed at one end. The second member is a flange and a container extending from the flange and receiving at a first end of the container the plunger, the container defining an inner volume to receive and store a fluid substance. The end of the container generally opposite the end receiving the plunger has an orifice. The third member interacts with the second member at the flange.

Abstract: Individual portions of ice cream are dispensed from a bulk container. A motor drives a lead screw, to expand a scissor linkage and drive a dispensing head against the bulk container. Pressure applied to the container causes it to collapse and discharge ice cream from an outlet. The lead screw is orthogonal with the movement of the dispensing head and the axis of collapse of the container. The container, motor and lead screw are carried on a drawer which is slidably mounted in a refrigerated housing. Pressure is monitored to regulate operation of the motor. An encoder controls the motor for a specific portion size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide for the hydrolytic cleavage of zearalenone and/or at least one zearalenone derivative, said polypeptide being a hydrolase having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-15 or a functional variant thereof, wherein the sequence of the functional variant is at least 40% identical to at least one of the amino acid sequences. The invention also relates to: an additive containing the polypeptide; an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide; and a method for the hydrolytic cleavage of zearalenone and/or of at least one zearalenone derivative using the polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods for producing feed ingredients for livestock (e.g., poultry, ruminants) from livestock manure which has been thermally reacted are provided herein. Feed ingredient compositions for livestock are also provided herein.

Abstract: An air-stable, high-melt 1a-hydroxy-vitamin D3 compound, methods for preparing an animal feed composition, methods of preparing 1?-hydroxy-vitamin D3, methods of enhancing phytate phosphorus and calcium utilization, and an animal feed regime are provided.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to a modified GH10 xylanase enzyme or a fragment thereof having xylanase activity wherein said modified GH10 xylanase or fragment thereof has increased thermostability compared with a parent GH10 xylanase enzyme, the parent GH10 xylanase having been modified at, at least, two of the following positions 7, 33, 79, 217 and 298, wherein the numbering is based on the amino acid numbering of FveXyn4 (SEQ ID No. 1). In particular, the modified xylanase enzyme according to the present invention has the following modifications: N7D; T33V; K79Y, V, F, I, L or M (preferably K79Y, F or V, more preferably Y); A217Q, E, P, D or M (preferably A217Q, E or P, more preferably Q); and T298Y, F or W (preferably Y or F, more preferably Y).

Abstract: Food preparation includes utilizing food immersion into low temperature cooking fluids, high temperature cooking fluids, or a combination of applications thereof. Foods are generally closely wrapped in vented, pliable, formidable outer skins. An example construction of such an outer skin is provided, as are examples of food preparation processes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nutritional composition(s) containing a protein equivalent source which includes a rice protein hydrolysate, and an octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modified starch emulsifier. The disclosure also relates to method(s) of producing rice protein hydrolysate, the method(s) including suspending rice protein in a solution to form a suspension; heating the suspension; cooling the heated suspension; adding an endoprotease to the suspension to hydrolyze the rice protein into at least two supernatant fractions; inactivating the endoprotease; separating an insoluble portion of the suspension from the at least two supernatant fractions; collecting the at least two supernatant fractions; and combining the at least two supernatant fractions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for monitoring state of food. In one embodiment, the method received data related to parameters associated with food storage conditions including temperature, humidity, defrost duration and defrost stop temperature and determines deviation of the food storage conditions based on the received data. Further, the method determines deviation in temperature and duration period of deviation and notifies a user if the duration period where the food is in danger zone exceeds a predetermined critical threshold duration period. Further, the deviation of defrost duration and humidity is also determined and notified to the user accordingly so that the user may reduce the duration of opening the door of cold-room, and frequency of such opening. Thus, the present disclosure periodically determines the deviation in critical conditions and enables the user to control the operations of the food storage conditions avoiding food wastage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of processing systems and components for sterilization or pasteurization and associated methods of operation are described herein. For example, a method of sterilization or pasteurization includes immersing an item in an immersion fluid, and the immersed item is subject to a hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid. The method also includes applying microwave energy to the item while the item is immersed in the immersion fluid and subject to the hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid. The hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid prevents the water content of the item from causing steam explosion in the item while the microwave energy is applied. The method further includes heating the item immersed in the immersion fluid to a target temperature with the applied microwave energy, the target temperature being sufficient to achieve sterilization or pasteurization of the item.

Abstract: The present invention specifically relates to a storage tank vacuum-pumping device and a method for keeping long-time food fresh utilizing the storage tank.

Abstract: A composition useful as an extender for egg whites in a baked foodstuff comprising a major amount of a non-waxy wheat starch and a minor amount of granular xanthan gum, said granular xanthan gum having a mean particle size greater than 40 micrometers is provided. Also provided is a method of replacing egg whites in a baked foodstuff comprising adding a major amount of a non-waxy wheat starch and a minor amount of granular xanthan gum, said granular xanthan gum having a mean particle size greater than 40 micrometers, to replace a portion of the egg whites in a baked foodstuff. A baked foodstuff comprised of egg whites, wherein at a portion of the egg whites are replaced with a major amount of a non-waxy wheat starch and a minor amount of granular xanthan gum, said granular xanthan gum having a mean particle size greater than 40 micrometers is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates the creation of a low fluoride crustacean oil processed from a phospholipid-protein complex (PPC) formed immediately upon a crustacean (i.e., for example, krill) catch. Further, the crustacean oil may also have reduced trimethyl amine and/or trimethyl amino oxide content. The process comprises disintegrating the crustaceans into smaller particles, adding water, heating the result, adding enzyme(s) to hydrolyze the disintegrated material, deactivating the enzyme(s), removing solids from the enzymatically processed material to reduce fluoride content of the material, separating and drying the PPC material. Then, using extraction with supercritical CO2 or supercritical dimethyl ether, and/or ethanol as solvents, krill oil, inter alia, is separated from the PPC. In the extraction the krill oil can be separated almost wholly from the feed material.

Abstract: Food or beverages prepared using 1,3-propanediol have shown to have modified flavor profiles, including bitterness suppression of high intensity sweeteners and potassium chloride, relative to comparable food or beverages that do not include 1,3-propanediol. Inclusion of 1,3-propanediol uniquely modifies the flavor profile of food products or food ingredients even when 1,3-propanediol is included in such low amounts that it does not itself contribute flavor to the product. 1,3-propanediol may be included in the food or beverage products in certain amounts to effect this bitterness suppression or in specific ratios relative to one or more high intensity sweeteners or potassium chloride.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present application discloses an aqueous omega-3 fatty acid composition comprising: a) water; b) a high HLB non-ionic emulsifier with HLB>10; and c) a marine oil, an algae derived oil or a vegetable oil high in omega-3 fatty acid comprising a total glycerides comprising a monoglyceride (MG), a diglyceride (DG) and a triglyceride (TG) of the omega-3 fatty acid, wherein the TG of the omega-3 fatty acid content in the composition is less than 80% of the total glycerides.

Abstract: A device for removing coconut water and meat from a coconut has a drill unit. A first attachment is removable coupled to the drill unit to drain the coconut water. A second attachment is removable coupled to the drill unit to open the coconut to remove the coconut meat.

Abstract: A coffee bean roaster includes a metal drum, an insulation board, and a coil. The insulation board is attached to a portion of the metal drum. The coil is disposed below the insulation board. AC power is supplied to the coil to thereby enable the coil to produce an AC magnetic field. The metal drum is heated up by electromagnetic induction to thereby roast coffee beans in the metal drum.

Abstract: A pre-vapor formulation of an electronic vaping device includes water, nicotine, glycerin (Gly), and propylene glycol. The nicotine may be included in an amount ranging from about 1.5% to about 5.0% by weight. The propylene glycol (PG) and the glycerin (Gly) may be included in respective amounts such that a weight ratio (PG-Gly) of the propylene glycol (PG) to the glycerin (Gly) ranges from about 80:20 (PG-Gly) to about 20:80 (PG-Gly).

Abstract: A candy flavored hookah tip that attaches to a hookah mouthpiece, enhancing the smoker's enjoyment by providing the essence of candy flavors without having to deposit flavored tobacco in the hookah, and a method for adding candy flavor to the hookah tip.

Abstract: A uniquely designed smoking pipe having a concave portion on the top of the pipe wherein a magnet is inlaid for the purpose of holding tight, a smothering or tamping device or commonly used flammable liquid lighter for the purposes of extinguishing the lit pipe and/or protecting the unused tobacco within the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention describes the cigarette holder with advanced smoking effect. The invented cigarette holder offers the means for making a full draw of the low temperature smoke into the lungs using minimal suction effort.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes a body of the electronic cigarette; the body of the electronic cigarette includes a suction end, a liquid storage adapted to store liquid, an atomizing assembly adapted to atomize the liquid, and a battery rod assembly adapted to supply power to the atomizing assembly; the liquid storage is arranged at an end of the body of the electronic cigarette away from the suction end. The electronic cigarette according to the disclosure may effectively avoid a suction of un-atomized liquid by a user.

Abstract: A USB electronic cigarette has an atomizer section. The atomizer section has a heat chamber configured to receive liquid from a fluid reservoir. A USB connector is formed on the atomizer section. The USB connector includes a USB socket mounted to the atomizer section. A battery section is releasable and detachable from the atomizer section at the USB connector. The USB connector includes a USB protrusion configured to fit into the USB socket. The USB protrusion is mounted to the battery section. A rechargeable battery is housed within the battery section and configured to be recharged via the USB protrusion. A user is provided a smokable USB stick that is USB rechargeable.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette identification device, electronic cigarette case, and a method for identifying an electronic cigarette, the device comprises an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette case, the electronic cigarette comprises an identification information generation module, and the electronic cigarette case comprises a power supply battery, a microprocessor, and an identification information receiving module; the microprocessor is connected to the power supply battery and the identification information receiving module; the identification information generation module outputs an identification information to the identification information receiving module by means of wired or wireless transmission; the identification information receiving module receives, converts and sends the identification information to the microprocessor; the microprocessor identifies whether the electronic cigarette case and the electronic cigarette match.

Abstract: The present invention describes a common case that can hold, protect, and recharge both one or more electronic cigarettes and/or electronic cigars (e-cigs) and either a cell phone or a tablet computer simultaneously with a single external battery charger that plugs into a port on the common case. Once one or more e-cigs are integrated in this way using a common case with a cell phone or tablet, a number additional features can be achieved that make the user's daily routine easier, more productive, and manageable. An example of such feature is to share the total battery power available in his/her cell phone or tablet with the battery power in his/her e-cig so that battery power in the e-cig can be used as a supplemental power source to sustain operation of the cell phone on days when call activity is high and smoking activity is low (or vice versa).

Abstract: An electrically operated aerosol-generating system is provided, including a device and a removable cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate, an electrically operated vapouriser, and first electrical contacts connected to the vapouriser, the device including a main body defining a cavity configured to receive the cartridge, an electrical power source, second electrical contacts connected to the electrical power source and a mouthpiece portion, which, in a closed position, retains the first electrical contacts on the cartridge in contact with the second electrical contacts on the device. By providing a device and cartridge based system in which the device includes a main body and a mouthpiece portion, the components for the cartridge can be simplified as compared to known cartomiser type cartridges.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system including a liquid storage portion is provided, the portion including a rigid housing holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the housing having an opening and a fluid permeable heater assembly including a plurality of electrically conductive filaments, wherein the fluid permeable heater assembly is fixed to the housing and extends across the opening of the housing. The provided heater assembly that extends across an opening of a liquid storage portion allows for a robust construction that is relatively simple to manufacture and allows for a large contact area between the heater assembly and liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The heater assembly may be substantially flat, allowing for simple manufacture.

Abstract: Devices for generating and releasing vapor comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a vaporizable substance at a substantially constant low temperature having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.

Abstract: An e-vapor device may include a pre-vapor sector and a heater structure arranged in thermal contact with the pre-vapor sector. The pre-vapor sector includes a reservoir and a dispensing interface. The pre-vapor sector is configured to hold and dispense a pre-vapor formulation. The heater structure is configured to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. The heater structure includes a base wire and a heater wire coiled around the base wire. The base wire is insulated from the heater wire. As a result of the heater design, the heater structure is stiffer and more robust than other related heaters in the art, thus allowing more options for its implementation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided.