Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a moulded food product, the apparatus comprising a base having first and second ends, with differing first and second moulds being formed with the first and second end respectively. A ring is engageable with either end of the base and has a ring mould portion contiguous with the first and second moulds to create a forming space when in use. A central aperture extends through the ring mould portion and a plunger is dimensioned and configured to pass through the central aperture, the plunger having a forming end and a closing end.

Abstract: A reservoir (1) for rod-like elements (R) for tobacco industry, configured to be connected to a first feeding duct (2), to a second feeding duct (3) and to a receiving duct (10) for receiving the rod-like elements (R) from the reservoir (1), wherein the reservoir (1) has adjustable capacity and is coupled with filling level sensing means (14, 15) for sensing a filling level of the reservoir (1). The reservoir comprises two chambers (12, 13) having adjustable capacity and separated by a partition (24). The first chamber (12) is coupled with a first filling level sensing means (14) for sensing a filling level of the first chamber (12), and the second chamber (13) is equipped with a second filling level sensing means (15) for sensing a filling level of the second chamber (13).

Abstract: An aerosol generating article is provided, including a combustible heat source; an aerosol forming substrate downstream of the combustible heat source; and a wrapper circumscribing at least a rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least a front portion of the aerosol forming substrate, wherein a plurality of weakness formations are provided on a region of the wrapper overlying the combustible heat source, and wherein the wrapper is rupturable at the plurality of weakness formations and is configured to form a ventilation zone comprising a plurality of apertures extending through the wrapper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter manufacturing apparatus (1) comprising:—a feed path (3) adapted to continuously feed a filter material along a longitudinal transport direction;—a forming device (4) connected to a terminating end of the feed path and adapted to form the filter material into a rod-shaped continuous filter body and deliver the formed continuous filter body, the forming device including: a tubular element (8) adapted to allow the filter material to pass therethrough to form the filter material into the continuous filter body; a heat source (6) adapted to heat the filter material passing in the tubular element;—a diameter measuring device (10) positioned at the outlet of the forming device and adapted to measure a diameter of the continuous filter body.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating article (10) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (12) and a mouthpiece (14) secured to a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate (12), the mouthpiece (14) comprising at least one segment of filter material (18, 20) and a liquid delivery element (22). The liquid delivery element (22) comprises: an upstream end and a downstream end; a deformable outer container (28) having at least one flexible wall (32) defining a cavity (40), the cavity (40) containing a liquid (42); and a frangible tubular element (30) mounted within the cavity (40) of the deformable outer container (28) and defining a longitudinal channel (46) extending through the deformable outer container (28) between the upstream end and the downstream end of the liquid delivery element (22).

Abstract: A multipurpose snuffer device is provided. The device includes a sleeve, configured to receive and secure a lighter therein, and a circular lower cylinder, having a convex protrusion having a flexible lip member that is configured to snugly fit around a top edge of a pipe bowl and extinguish a burning material in the pipe bowl. The device may further include a circular intermediate cylindrical cavity, within the circular lower cylinder, configured to store a material capable of burning in the pipe bowl. The circular intermediate cylindrical cavity may be accessed by removing a bottom portion of the circular lower cylinder from an upper portion of the circular lower cylinder. The invention is useful for storing and organizing a plurality of items and functionalities of interest to a smoker, including a lighter, a material capable of burning in the pipe bowl, and a pipe extinguishing structure and functionality.

Abstract: A cigar holder assembly includes a filter holder that includes: a first filter holder piece having a first end to connect to a smoking machine and a second end, and a second filter holder piece having a first end and a second end, a first opening extending axially into the first end and a second opening extending axially into the second end, and the second end of the first filter holder piece and the first end of the second filter holder piece fit together. The assembly includes a cigar holder having a first end and a second end to receive a cigar, and the second end of the second filter holder piece and the first end of the cigar holder fit together; and a seal has an opening that extends through its entire thickness, the seal configured to fit in the opening in the first end of the cigar holder.

Abstract: A holder (200) for an aerosol generating article (100) includes a body (210) defining a passage extending from a first end to a second end of the body for receiving the aerosol generating article. The holder further includes a sleeve (220) having a (i) a ventilation region (222) including one or more holes, and (ii) an extinguishment region (224) downstream of the ventilation region. The sleeve is movable over the body between (i) a retracted position, (ii) an extinguishment position, and (iii) a use position between the retracted position and the extinguishment position. The ventilation region is configured to be aligned with the heat source (102) of the aerosol generating article when the sleeve is in the use position. The extinguishment region is configured to be aligned with the heat source of the aerosol generating article when the sleeve is in the extinguishment position.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes at least one housing, a nozzle and a control component. The housing encloses a reservoir configured to retain an aerosol precursor composition. The nozzle is coupled to the housing to discharge aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir, and the nozzle includes a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material surrounding a mesh. The control component includes a microprocessor coupled to and configured to drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to vibrate and cause a discharge of components of the aerosol precursor composition through the mesh and thereby produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user, with the components of the aerosol precursor composition discharged through the mesh having a diameter of less than one micrometer.

Abstract: An aerosol generating article is provided, having a first section including a combustible heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate and a second section including a tubular element defining a recess at one end of the second section. The sections are integrally connected at a region of weakness and are separable at the region so that the element can be placed over the heat source and so that the heat source is at least partially received in the recess. The first section is upstream of the second section when the sections are integrally connected and the element is at least partially open at both ends thereof such that air may be drawn through the element. The element is either at a downstream end of the second section such that the recess forms a mouth end cavity, or is at an upstream end such that the recess forms a transfer element.

Abstract: A holder (200) for an aerosol generating article (100) includes a mouthpiece (106) having a mouth end and a distal end. The mouthpiece defines a passage (213) extending from the mouth end to the distal end. The passage is configured to receive the aerosol generating article inserted in a direction from the distal end towards the mouth end. The holder further includes a cage (220) extending from the mouthpiece and configured to surround at least a portion of a heat source (102) of the aerosol generating article and configured to allow air to access the heat source. The holder may also optionally include a seal (230) extending from an inner surface of the cage. The seal is arranged to surround and contact the aerosol generating article.

Abstract: A cartridge coupled or coupleable with a control body to form an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a container of aerosol precursor composition and an atomizer enclosing a reservoir configured to receive and carry aerosol precursor composition. The container and the atomizer are removably coupleable with one another, and include respectively a septum and a connector including a cannula that are engaged when the container and the atomizer are coupled to enable passage of aerosol precursor composition from the container to the reservoir. The atomizer further includes a heating element controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition in the reservoir.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device includes a cartridge of aerosol precursor composition, and a control body coupled or coupleable to the cartridge. The control body includes a control component to control delivery of components of the aerosol precursor composition in response to detection of airflow through at least a portion of the cartridge or control body, and includes a camera system with a digital camera to capture video imagery of a scene in a field of view thereof. The camera system or the control component is configured to perform video content analytics on the video imagery to detect a temporal or spatial event in the scene, and transfer at least one of the video imagery or information indicative of the temporal or spatial event externally to a computing device configured to store or display the video imagery or information, or perform at least one control operation based on the information.

Abstract: A portable device, and more particularly a portable device for vaporizing materials such as oils for inhalation. Also, methods for vaporizing materials and methods of operating portable vaporizing devices. In addition, networks for providing operational features and/or instructions for operation of vaporizing devices and for monitoring and collecting operational data. In preferred embodiments, a vaporizing device and/or methods for operating a vaporizing device wherein the vaporizing device includes one or more of the following features: security features to regulate operation of the device; automatic detection of vaporizing material identity; user experience monitoring and data collection; and/or temperature adjustment of vaporizing material based on detected material for vaporization.

Abstract: There is provided a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge, a cartridge cover, and a mouthpiece. The cartridge includes at least one compartment having an air inlet and an air outlet. The cartridge cover is helicoidally moveable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the air inlet is obstructed and a second position in which air may flow through the air inlet. The mouthpiece is helicoidally moveable with respect to the cartridge between a third position in which the air outlet is obstructed and a fourth position in which air may flow through the air outlet.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating system for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The system includes an aerosol-forming chamber, and a leakage preventer for preventing or reducing leakage of liquid aerosol condensate from the aerosol generating system. The leakage preventer may include one or more of: at least one cavity in a wall of the aerosol-forming chamber, for collecting droplets of condensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate; at least one hooked member for collecting droplets of condensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an impactor for disrupting airflow in the aerosol-forming chamber so as to collect liquid droplets; and a closure member for substantially sealing the aerosol-forming chamber when the aerosol generating system is not in use.

Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer element, a power supply, and a heating element operably coupled to the power supply and configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The system also includes a cover over the liquid storage portion.

Abstract: Shaping garments including one or more slimming elastic bands are disclosed. In some embodiments, shaping garments include a first horizontal elastic band and a second diagonal elastic band positioned to reshape the inner and outer upper legs creating a slimmer appearance, while also lifting the buttocks.

Abstract: A pumping and nursing bra includes two shoulder straps and two cup portions. Each cup portion includes a detachable outer layer connected at a top portion to an associated shoulder strap. Each cup portion also includes an inner layer adapted to be directly positioned over a breast of a wearer of the bra and attached at a top portion to the associated shoulder strap. Each cup portion further includes a detachable middle layer connected at top portions to the inner layer. The pumping and nursing bra also includes an inelastic hem interconnecting bottom portions of the detachable outer layer, the inner layer, and the detachable middle layer of each cup portion.

Abstract: An example bra clip is described. The bra clip includes a body defining a proximal end and a distal end, a first body half extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a second body half extending between the proximal and distal ends. The first and second body halves define an enclosure therebetween. The bra clip includes first and second side openings extending between and separating the first body half from the second body half. The bra clip includes an opening at the distal end of the body. The opening extends into the enclosure between the first and second body halves.

Abstract: A leggings apparatus is shown. The leggings are configured to be worn by a user without the need for the user to wear an undergarment. As such, the apparatus is equipped with a first gusset layer and a second gusset layer disposed in a crotch area of the apparatus to provide security and comfort to the user without panty-lines. The first gusset layer is made of a cotton-based fiber fabric, and is preferably treated with an anti-bacterial coating. The second gusset layer is positioned atop the first gusset layer, and is made of the same fabric as the remainder of the leggings. The gusset layers are heat welded into a fixed position within the crotch area, and are equipped with flat seams which appear invisible. Seams are flat to ensure comfort, as well as to minimize the appearance of the seams of the crotch area of the apparatus.

Abstract: An article of clothing that includes a waistband made from non-stretchable fabric. The waistband incorporates elastic throughout an interior portion, and the elastic is secured to the waistband at each side of one or more slits provided along the waistband. The slits along the waistband allow for the elastic to be hidden within the non-stretch fabric when the waistband is a rest while also allowing the elastic to stretch while robing, moving, dancing, and/or sitting.

Abstract: A halter bib athletic garment is described herein. A halter bib athletic garment may be removed or lowered without removing a jersey by simply pulling a halter strap over the head of a wearer. One or more embodiments of a halter bib allow wearers to more readily urinate or have a bowel movement because the halter bib may be easily lowered or removed. A halter bib athletic garment may include a lower body section, a chamois coupled to the lower body section, and an upper body section. The upper body section comprises a halter strap forming a portion of a loop of a head opening on the upper body section. The halter strap includes two front side portions and a rear side portion positioned between the front side portions. The rear side portion is coupled to the athletic garment only with the front side portions of the halter strap.

Abstract: A compartmentalized hand warmer including one or more of a first flexible panel joined in face contacting relation to a second flexible panel and configured to have a compartment adapted to receive a warming element, a first annular element coupled to the first flexible panel, and a second annular element coupled to the first flexible panel in opposed relation to the first annular element.

Abstract: A safety glove having a protective member or insert extending around the fingertip of the safety glove is provided. The protective member may be positioned along the outer surface or the inner surface of the glove. Alternatively, the protective member may be integrally formed between two layers of glove material. The protective member terminates distally from an interphalangeal joint line to enable finger flexion in order to grasp an item, such as a slab of meat to be deskinned in a skinning machine. The glove may include a rough outer surface formed from thrice dipping the glove and allowing the glove to cure. Additionally, the glove may have a width near the wrist that is wider than the width near the palm to enable the glove to be rapidly removed (i.e., doffed) in an emergency event of the glove getting caught in a rotating blade on the skinning machine.

Abstract: A medical garment and components thereof are provided. The medical garment includes a top portion including a front portion, a back portion, a neck portion, and two sleeve portions, wherein the front portion is bifurcated from the neck portion to a bottom of the front portions, and wherein each of the two sleeve portions are bifurcated from the neck portion to a sleeve portion opening. The medical garment further includes a bottom portion including a waist portion, a left leg portion, and a right leg portion, wherein the left leg portion and the right leg portion are bifurcated from the waist portion to a groin portion of the lower portion, and wherein the left leg portion and the right leg portion are each bifurcated from the groin portion to a lower end of each of the left leg portion and right leg portion.

Abstract: A garment for health care use is disclosed. The garment comprises at least one rear panel, at least two front panels and a plurality of releasable seams, positioned along peripheral regions of said at least one rear panel and said at least two front panels for releasably connecting said at least two front panels to said at least one rear panel. Each of the at least two front panels is permanently connected to the at least one rear panel at least one position. At least a portion of one the front panels overlaps the other. The rear and front panels each comprise a plurality of flaps or regions which can be folded over when in use as worn by a wearer, to expose different areas of said wearer's body.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a glove and, more particularly, to a conformal glove which retains tactile sensitivity and increases overall handgrip of the user, in addition to maintaining manual dexterity and maximizing air ventilation.

Abstract: A headband with one or more protective inserts. The inserts may be strategically positioned to provide protection for specific areas of a person's head that are most vulnerable to impact, depending on the sport or other activity. The inserts may be directly attached to the headband, or may be enclosed in pouches which are directly attached to the headband. The headband may be worn with or without additional headgear, and may be configured to cooperate with the additional headgear as to form, fit, and functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel application of perspiration absorption from the face of a user wearing a virtual reality Head Mounted Display (HMD). More particularly, the invention relates to the use of perspiration absorbing materials ergonomically fitted to the user's face to provide a sanitary shield between the user's face and the worn virtual reality HMD. Due to the invention's ergonomic design, perspiration is prevented from entering the user's eyes preventing eye irritation while wearing a virtual reality HMD during vigorous usage. Since the face pad is designed to conform to a general user's face, it is not specific to any make or model of HMD and thus can be used with HMD's from any manufacturer.

Abstract: A fitness garment that promotes excessive water weight and body fat loss at targeted areas of the wearer's body. The fitness garment is adjustable, machine washable, and conforms close to the user's body to specifically target problem weight loss areas to ensure maximum results. A lower panel formed of neoprene is held in close conformity to a user's torso to retain body heat at targeted locations. An upper panel is formed of a breathable resilient material and extends around the user's chest and shoulders, when worn. A zipper closure on a front face of the garment is operable to regulate the user's body heat. A lateral side zipper is provided as a closure of a side opening of the lower panel to selectively retain body heat around the user's stomach and back around the waistline.

Abstract: A garment engaged in a sound-reducing state includes a first garment portion formed with a sound-absorbing material with transmission loss properties and configured to surround a wearer's head and ears to form a substantially enclosed reduced-sound zone, when the first garment portion is engaged in a sound-reducing state. The garment also includes a second garment portion operable with the first garment portion, for example, where the first garment portion is a hood and the second garment portion is the body of a hooded sweatshirt. In the sound-reducing state, the sound-absorbing barrier material reduces an amount of sound passing through the sound-absorbing material and over the material on the inside of the reduced-sound zone into the substantially enclosed reduced-sound zone.

Abstract: Magnetic clothing stay methods including gripping a first clothing item between a first body and second body of a clothing stay near an edge of the first clothing item, the first body having a first magnetic element and the second body having a second magnetic element, tucking the edge of the first clothing item underneath a second clothing item, contacting an inner surface of the second clothing item with an outer surface of the clothing stay, and thereby retarding movement of the first clothing item relative to the second clothing item via friction between the outer surface of the clothing stay and the inner surface of the second clothing item.

Abstract: A device for restricting or preventing the movement of clothing (garments) on a user's body during exercise or activities. The device has a substantially linear body with pairs of complementary magnets on each end. The magnets slidably hold and secure clothing on the body at two points when force is applied while avoiding damage or tearing to the clothing.

Abstract: Individuals with special needs often struggle to put on swim caps as they may lack dexterity, strength, or coordination to pull the cap over their ears. An improved swim cap to aid such wearers includes a swim cap body to encapsulate an upper head area and ears of a wearer, a first ring near a right ear area of the cap, and a second ring near a left ear area the body. A reinforcing band is attached on an interior of the swim cap body, wherein ends of the band connect to the first ring and the second ring. The rings allow for easy gripping of the swim cap to easily pull the cap over the wearer's head and ears.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shroud assembly for headgear includes a frame having a shape that matches a contour of the headgear. An insert is formed of metal or metal alloy and is attached to a front side of the frame. The insert is configured for removable attachment to a mounting assembly. The frame includes first and second spaced flexible walls disposed on the front side of the frame on opposite sides of the insert. The first and second flexible walls are spaced a sufficient distance apart to provide an interference fit between the mounting assembly and the first and second flexible walls. In another embodiment, the shroud assembly further includes a friction pad disposed on a rear surface of the frame for increasing friction between the shroud assembly and the headgear. In another aspect, a method for attaching a mounting assembly to headgear is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional electric field sensor for hard hats, the sensor having a stand-alone structure and constructed of polymeric and hydrophobic materials, and intended for three-dimensional measurement of the electric field in energized powerlines by its disposition on hard hats. The three-dimensional sensor of the present invention has an outer shell with a base attaching to the hard hat and a cover attaching to the base, an inner shell functioning as a capacitive sensor as well as protecting an internal electronic board, a battery and adapter assembly as a power supply, and a warning buzzer, in order to provide complete optimization procedures to alert electric utility linemen of exceedingly close proximity to medium voltage conductors in powerlines.

Abstract: A protective headgear can include a core and two or more impact absorbing layers coupled to the core. At least one impact absorbing layer can include a number of impact absorbing components that are configured to absorb and reduce the force of impact incident on the protective headgear. The impact absorbing materials can employ cylindrical segments of viscoelastic foam with a sealed central void to absorb high energy impacts. The protective helmet can reduce the occurrence of concussions and subconcussive impacts to the brain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a helmet that is aesthetically appealing and that is capable of decelerating impacts from any direction. In a preferred embodiment, the helmet features: a shell with a head cavity that is lined with shock absorbing material, wherein the shell is outfitted with a halo of deceleration plates.

Abstract: An inflatable component for a protective headgear according to various embodiments can include an inner surface facing an outer shell of the protective headgear. One or more inflatable structures may be provided between the inner surface and an outer surface of the inflatable component. A structure of the inflatable structure is designed having a pre-determined cross-sectional profile. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the inflatable structure is configured based on a head injury criteria. In various embodiments, the system and method can include an energy absorption component. In other embodiments, the system and method can include a reactive component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a helmet-facemasks system including a facemask, shock-absorbent mechanism facemask holders/clips and attaching mechanisms thus holding the face protective gear, including but not limit to facemask and chin guard. The shock-absorbent mechanism in combination with the clips, attaching mechanism and facemask are attached to the helmet in a fixed position while assisting with minimizing the impact force transfer by maximizing impact energy absorption.

Abstract: A type variable helmet includes a half face unit formed to cover an upper part of a user's head, and an under face unit detachably attached to a lower part of the half face unit and configured to cover a lower part of the head of the user.

Abstract: The use of select knitting processes allow the production of a cap liner with a separate eye opening and several distinct mesh structures that are individually designed to enhance the comfort of the eyes, nose, and mouth of the wearer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a midsole while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a plate while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the plate. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a unitary braided component that includes a first layer and a second layer.

Abstract: A method for measurements of parameters characterizing human motor activity provides registration of signals generated by load sensors mounted in shoe insoles, with each insole having at least two load sensors, one mounted near the heel, and the other near the toe of the foot. The specific type of motor activity is determined based on temporal correlation of load sensor signals from both insoles and values thereof. Person's weight, including additionally carried weight, is determined by summing up signal values from said load sensors, with the specific type of motor activity considered; thereafter, person's motor stress is determined based on specified type of motor activity and person's weight, including additionally carried weight. The method enables a real-time monitoring of motor stress of a person at different types of motor activity, e.g. running, walking at different pace, standing, with person's weight, including additionally carried weight, taken into consideration.

Abstract: A shoe having a removable sole is provided. The shoe includes one or more straps that are insertable through corresponding apertures in the soles to attach a sole to a base of the shoe. The removable soles provide a shoe with capability to interchange soles, thereby providing for specialized soles to supply for a single shoe, which allows use of the shoe with various athletic sports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports boot for the pursuit of ski sport. The sports boot comprises a sensor arrangement (29) having several pressure-sensitive sensors (9a-d) in a distributed layout which are respectively connected or can be connected via cable connections (17a-d) to an electronic signal processing device. At least one first sensor (9a) is positioned in a forefoot portion (31) of the sole arrangement (30) of the sports boot and at least one second sensor (9b) is positioned in a heel portion (32) of the sole arrangement (30). A first cable connection (17a) between the at least one first sensor (9a) and the electronic signal processing device and a second cable connection (17b) between the at least one second sensor (9b) and the electronic signal processing device are respectively starting from the at least one first sensor (9a) and from the at least one second sensor (9b) and each run in the direction towards a sole center region (34) of the sole arrangement (30).

Abstract: A boot insole includes a sole base and multiple absorbing studs. The sole base is a flat pad that matches a foot contour and has multiple air vents. The absorbing studs are integrally and downwardly formed on a bottom surface of the sole base. The boot insole provides a shock absorbing effect without adding an air cushion to decrease the pressure on the foot, and also increases the ventilation between the foot sole and the orthopedic boot.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a midsole for an article of footwear is described that includes a first foaming cord made of a first material and a second foaming cord made of a second material. The first material is different than the second material. The first foaming cord and the second foaming cord are embroidered into a shape of the midsole. The first foaming cord and the second foaming cord may be embroidered to a substrate material by thread. A midsole can include multiple layers of foaming cords. Customized midsoles may be formed by selective placement of one or more foaming cords in different locations or layers to provide different properties or characteristics to the midsole.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a shoe that may be transformed from a high heel shoe to a low heel shoe. The shoe may include three parts: a removable stelo, a removable high heel attachment, and the corresponding attachment systems integrated into the base shoe sole. The removable high heel attachment may be a standard heel of any design, width and height that has a locking system comprising a threaded post located at the heel base. When the stelo and heel attachment are attached, the shoe may be a high heel shoe. When they are removed, the shoe may be a low heel shoe, or flat shoe.