Abstract: Bead feeding unit (1) on a production machine in the tobacco industry, provided with a unit of supply channels (4) feeding individual bead (2) streams from a store (2A) to holding pockets (14) situated at the outlets of the supply channels (4), a transferring unit (13) comprising two guiding discs (5,6) situated coaxially and movable feeding means (8) adapted to direct the beads to receiving channels (18) of the transferring unit (13). The unit (1) is characterised in that the transferring unit (13) has at least one cleaning element (25) adapted to clean the holding pockets (14).

Abstract: An aerosol generation device includes a case into which a cigarette is to be inserted; a protrusion pipe of a hollow shape protruding from one end portion of the case and having an opening; a heater installed in the case such that an end portion thereof is positioned inside the protrusion pipe, and configured to generate heat when an electric signal is applied thereto; and a heater fixing portion installed inside the protrusion pipe to support the heater and comprising a round surface that extends from an inner side surface of the protrusion pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of plant material that includes at least one active ingredient. A vaporizing unit includes a heating element configured to heat the plant material, and a sensor configured to detect an indication of airflow rate through the vaporizing unit. Control circuitry is configured to receive an indication of the airflow rate through the vaporizing unit, and, in response thereto, to determine a smoking profile that is desired by the user. The control circuitry drives the heating element to vaporize the active ingredient of the plant material by heating the plant material according to the determined smoking profile. The control circuitry dynamically updates the smoking profile in response to changes in airflow rate over the course of a smoking session. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An electronic smoke apparatus comprising an inhale sensor, a smoke source containing vapor-able smoke flavored substances, an electric heater for heating up the smoke flavored substances, and a power management controller to control power supply to operate the heater; wherein the power management controller is to adaptively supply operating power to the heater according to characteristics of a smoking inhaling event detected at said inhale sensor.

Abstract: A heater assembly for an aerosol-generating system includes a perforated glass substrate and a heater element. The heater element is provided in or on the glass substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol generating device which is capable of stopping aerosol generation at an appropriate timing. This aerosol generating device includes a power source which supplies power in order to atomize an aerosol source and/or heat a flavor source; a sensor which outputs a measurement value for controlling the power supplied; and a circuitry which controls the power supplied from the power source on the basis of the measurement value. The circuitry controls to increase a power supply amount per unit time in response to a first condition that the measured value is equal to or larger than a first threshold being satisfied, and to decrease the power supply amount per unit time in response to a second condition that the measured value is less than a second threshold greater than the first threshold and a third condition which is different from the first condition and the second condition being satisfied.

Abstract: A vaporization device allow users to consume removable cartridges filled with vaporizable material. The vaporizer devices defines a receptacle shaped to receive a cartridge in a snug and compact nesting arrangement. The vaporizer device ensures that the installed cartridges are secured and provide a sealed fluid path. The cartridges have wider fluid conduits facilitating user inhalation. The cartridges also facilitate dose control and a way of calibrating for providing an indication of a measured dose to an end user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid-transfer article which is suitable for use as part of an aerosol-generating system of a type which may be used as a smoking substitute. The fluid-transfer-article comprises a first region for holding an aerosol precursor and for transferring said aerosol precursor to an activation surface of a second region of said article. The activation surface is disposed at an end of said article configured for thermal interaction with a heater of an aerosol-generation apparatus. At least the second region of the fluid-transfer article is formed from a polymeric wicking material.

Abstract: An electrically operated aerosol generation system has a replaceable atomizer. The system includes a housing and an atomizer that can be received within a bore in a grasp ring of the housing. A power supply unit can be connected to the housing. A reservoir contains vaporizable liquid which can be supplied to the atomizer. A mouthpiece assembly is provided and can be actuated relative to the housing in order to separate and eject the atomizer from the housing when the power supply unit is removed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of plant material that includes at least one active ingredient. A vaporizing unit includes a heating element configured to heat the plant material, and a sensor configured to detect an indication of airflow rate through the vaporizing unit. Control circuitry is configured to receive an indication of the airflow rate through the vaporizing unit, and, in response thereto, to determine a smoking profile that is desired by the user. The control circuitry drives the heating element to vaporize the active ingredient of the plant material by heating the plant material according to the determined smoking profile. The control circuitry dynamically updates the smoking profile in response to changes in airflow rate over the course of a smoking session. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An inhalation device for e.g., nicotine products which receives a user input regulating the amount of nicotine the user wants to receive. Once the selected amount has been delivered to the user, the device shuts off its atomizer to conclude operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a personal vaporizing device having multiple methods for activating the personal vaporizing device. In one embodiment, the personal vaporizing device may be activated based on user preferences. In another embodiment, the personal vaporizing device may be activated based on an operating characteristic of the device and/or vaporizable material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for vaporizing concentrate that will substantially eliminate general or localized burning of concentrate during the vaporization process and a device adapted for carrying out said method. The vaporization method is based on heating concentrate that has been absorbed into a frit, preferably fitted glass. Fritted glass is characterized by open-pore interstices that allow free passage of fluid through the frit. It is commonly used as a filtering element, particularly in high-temperature applications. It was discovered that concentrate placed in contact with fitted glass is absorbed through capillary action. Although room temperature concentrate may not readily seep fully into fritted glass, as concentrate is heated its viscosity is reduced such that it is readily absorbed by the fitted glass.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including a mouthpiece assembly, an atomization assembly, and a base assembly. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouthpiece, a decorative cover, a movable cover, a fixed base adapted to fix the mouthpiece, a seal ring adapted to seal the fixed base, a first seal ring and a second seal ring adapted to seal the mouthpiece, and a sliding block. The atomization assembly includes a positioning pin, a limit spring, an upper holder, a gasket, a third seal ring adapted to seal the upper holder, a glass tube, an upper seal ring adapted to seal the glass tube, a lower seal ring adapted to seal the glass tube, a fourth seal ring adapted to seal the lower holder, a lower holder, a connecting thread, a spring, a first cylinder, a fifth seal ring adapted to seal the first cylinder, a second cylinder, and an atomizing core.

Abstract: An atomizing assembly includes a housing, an atomizing base, an atomizing element, and a sealing member. The housing is provided with a liquid storage chamber and an airflow channel. The liquid storage chamber is configured to store liquid. The atomizing base is fixed to the housing and configured to seal the liquid storage chamber. The atomizing base is provided with a liquid inlet in communication with the liquid storage chamber. The atomizing element is disposed in the atomizing base and configured to atomize the liquid flowing into the atomizing element through the liquid inlet. The sealing member is movably disposed on the atomizing base and configured to seal or unseal the liquid inlet. An electronic atomizing device is further provided, which includes the aforementioned atomizing assembly and a power supply assembly connected to the housing and electrically coupled to the atomizing element.

Abstract: A stain resistant shirt collar protector is described herein. The stain resistant shirt collar protector is formed having a longitudinal fold line configured to engage a collar fold line. The longitudinal fold line terminates in oblique ends configured to align with edges of the shirt collar. Furthermore, different forms of adhesives and materials may be used to form the stain resistant shirt collar protector, as described in detail herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to undergarments for use in active environments, where the wearer of such an undergarment is engaged in an activity that results in accelerating movements. In some preferred embodiments, these undergarments may be athletic or sports bras that redirect momentum related to a wearer's accelerating movements, for example, during exercise.

Abstract: A detachable and interchangeable activewear top that includes a sports bra that has fasteners/closures located on the bra band with an overlay flap that makes the fasteners/closures not visible when down but easily accessible when flipped up, and a lower panel that encircles the torso below the breasts and flows downward to the belly and/or beyond and may contain elastic around the top opening of the lower panel as well as fasteners/closures around the top opening that corresponds to the fasteners/closures on the sports bra. The sports bra and the lower panel can be attached, detached and interchanged via a non-permanent fastening system.

Abstract: A brassiere including a first cup, a second cup, a first underwire having a first free end and a first joining end opposite to the first free end, the first underwire being curved and at the first cup, and a second underwire having a second free end and a second joining end opposite to the first free end, the second underwire being curved and at the second cup, wherein the first joining end of the first underwire is connected to the second joining end of the second underwire, and wherein the first joining end of the first underwire crosses the second joining end of the second underwire.

Abstract: Heat therapy leggings are described herein. The heat therapy leggings may include a double walled waistband. The double walled waistband may include an interior pocket to cover the front torso/midsection or lower back. The heat therapy leggings may be front to back reversible. A heat patch may be inserted into the interior pocket to provide relief from menstrual cramps.

Abstract: A refrigeration neck fan system including articulable arms and cooling fans for adjustment by a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a knee pad system for attaching one or more knee pads to a user's knee. The system for a single knee pad includes a knee pad with two knee pad straps that attach said knee pad to a user's knee, and two upper straps that attach to the two knee pad straps and a user's belt or waist. One of the upper straps runs the length of the user's outer thigh, while the second upper strap runs from the user's inner thigh where the second upper strap attaches to the knee pad strap to the front of a user's waist. The configuration of the two upper straps prevents the knee pad from moving about the user's knee.

Abstract: Provided is an inner bite ring which can be used by wearing a glove on a finger wearing the inner bite ring, is unlikely to damage the glove, and does not damage tissue around an oral cavity or teeth even if it is bitten from over the glove, for maintaining an opening and guarding the finger. An inner bite ring 1 has: a tubular portion 2 into which a finger of a human hand is inserted, the glove being worn on the inner bite ring 1 worn on the finger; a soft elastic portion 3 coated on an outer periphery of the tubular portion 2; and a strap portion 4 connected to a root portion 2b side of the tubular portion 2 and hung on a wrist or an adjacent finger. The tubular portion 2 is closed at its tip, and has a vent hole 6 formed on a tip portion side to communicate an inside and an outside of the tubular portion 2.

Abstract: An adhesive soft fabric corner to increase garment comfort. The soft corners are folded fabric elements with an adhesive layer applied to secure to a garment. The soft corners covers irritating garment corners, increasing apparel comfort and lifespan. Soft Corners will introduce soft fabric that you want to have near your skin. Soft Corners will proactively protect the skin without sticking to the skin. Soft Corners can be produced in an endless variety of colors and shapes and sizes which can provide comfort in any style of clothing. Soft Corners will increase the lifespan of our clothing, reducing the waste of time, money and materials associated with clothing manufacturing and most importantly the consumer.

Abstract: Described are flame resistant composite articles and methods for making and using. A flame resistant composite article is described comprising a facial layer, a meltable layer, a heat reactive material, and an inner layer that provide lightweight flame resistance and can accommodate printing and a large number of appearance options.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hat or cap designed to protect a user's head, nose, and neck from exposing to sun, dust, and debris. The hat could provide support for a neck or sun shield, glasses, a dust mask, and an insert. The hat further includes a brim, a mesh, and a crown. The mesh is configured to circulate airflow for keeping the user's head cool. The crown is extended with a loop fabric on the back side to fasten the neck shield via a hook fastener. The glasses include hook fasteners on a top bar and temples and fastened to the loop fabric of the brim of the hat via the hook fasteners. The hat with the neck shield, glasses, and dust mask provides a comfort wear to the user and provides sunshade for the user's head and neck.

Abstract: A method and system of absorbing the shock force of an impact including a substance which absorbs at least part of the shock force of an impact by changing phase from a first phase to a second phase, and back to the first phase on cessation of the impact force, and a container for the substance for protecting a person from an impact injury.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing helmet for reducing brain trauma includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell has a bottom and a front that are open. The bottom is configured to insert a head of a user, positioning the front proximate to a face of the user. The outer shell is complementary to and positioned around the inner shell. The outer shell has an edge that is coupled to a rim of the inner shell so that the inner shell and the outer shell define an interior space. A plurality of first springs is positioned in the interior space. Each first spring is coupled to and extends between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first springs are configured to reduce transfer to the inner shell of a force applied to the outer shell.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting a head of a wearer, such as a hockey, lacrosse, football or other sports player. The helmet comprising an outer shell and an inner padding disposed between the outer shell and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn. The inner padding comprising a plurality of shock absorbers and an interconnector interconnecting the shock absorbers, each shock absorber being deformable in response to a rotational impact on the helmet such that an outer part of the shock absorber moves relative to an inner part of the shock absorber in a direction tangential to an angular movement of the outer shell due to the rotational impact.

Abstract: A helmet for rotational energy management can include an outer energy management layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface can comprise a first slidable finish comprising a first glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 millimeters (mm). An inner energy management layer can be disposed within the outer energy management layer and further comprise an outer surface oriented towards the outer energy management layer and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface can comprise a second slidable finish that directly contacts the first slidable finish. The second slidable finish can comprise a second glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm. A space between the first slidable finish and the second slidable finish can be devoid of a lubricant and devoid of any interstitial slip layer.

Abstract: A hat, headband or helmet formed from a material (10) comprising first and second layers (11, 12) of material and a low friction interface (13) arranged between the layers to enable sliding of the first layer of material (11) relative to the second layer of material (12).

Abstract: A helmet that includes an outer shell having at least a first outer magnetic member, an inner shell having at least a first inner magnetic member, and padding secured inside the inner shell. The first inner magnetic member is spaced from and opposed to the first outer magnetic member, such that the first inner magnetic member repels the first outer magnetic member. The outer shell is connected to the inner shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shoe structure including a sole and an upper connected to the sole, a sensor and a display panel. The upper has an outer surface and an inner surface. The sensor is disposed on the sole or the upper. The display panel is connected to the sensor and disposed on the outer surface. Wherein the display panel is configured to display information according to data detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear comprising a waterproof upper (30) material having a breathability of less than 3 mg/cm<2>/h according to ISO (11092, 14268) 14268 (2012). The upper (30) material comprising at least one vent having a vent assembly (31) disposed within the at least one vent. The vent assembly (31) further comprises a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer (38) and a plurality of slats (32) disposed adjacent to the functional layer (38) and spaced apart from each other and from the functional layer (38) to provide for water-vapor flow through the vent assembly (31).

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole system, including an upper and the sole system. The sole system includes a knitted component incorporating a one-piece knit outsole. The knit outsole has a ground-facing side, a top side, an inlaid tensile element, and a ground-engaging cleat member protruding from the ground-facing side of the knit outsole. The tensile element may be adjacent a cleat member. The upper is connected at its bottom to the top side of the knit outsole.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a sole component having a plurality of hollow polymeric elements in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements and fixed relative to one another. Each of the hollow polymeric elements defines a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear includes placing a plurality of hollow polymeric elements in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements, and fixing the plurality of hollow polymeric elements relative to one another to form a sole component. Each of the hollow polymeric elements has a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper defines a cavity that is configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper is at least partially defined by a textile. The textile includes a first area that is substantially smooth. The first area defines a reference boundary that conforms to the cavity. The textile includes a second area. The second area includes a plurality of projection structures that project away from the reference boundary and outwardly from the cavity at varying heights. The second area includes a plurality of recess structures that recess away from the reference boundary and inwardly toward the cavity. The plurality of projection structures and the plurality of recess structures are in an alternating arrangement across the textile.

Abstract: The invention is a high heel shoe with an upper that will provide comfort and flexibility for the wearer. In a preferred embodiment the upper consists of two at least two materials: 1) a firm fabric, such as leather, that will hold the shape of the design and have limited flexibility; 2) a flat knitted elastic, such as knit elastic, which will not narrow, or not narrow significantly, when stretched. In addition, the firm fabric is configured to have a flex-point and in a preferred embodiment is formed of two pieces of the firm material having a “split” between them providing the desired flex-point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially to a sports shoe, comprising a shoe upper (2), wherein the shoe upper (2) consists at least partially of a knitted fabric, wherein the shoe upper (2) has a plurality of loops (3) for threading a lace (4) to allow the tying of the shoe (1) at the foot of a wearer by means of the lace (4). To provide an easy and efficient possibility to adjust the lacing or tying of the shoe at the foot of the wearer individually, the invention is characterized in that at least a part of the loops (3) consist of a knitted fabric, wherein the loops (3) have the shape of a tubular body which forms a passage (8) for the lace (4).

Abstract: A clip includes an inner housing slidably received in an outer housing with a spring housed in the outer housing between a base of the outer housing and the inner housing. Each of the inner and outer housings include a side opening and a main cavity. When a user manipulates the inner housing, the side openings are aligned with one another, such that a user can insert an object through the respective side openings to be secured within the main cavity of the clip. The clip may further include a decorative member coupled to the outer housing, wherein the decorative member includes a design or a safety feature formed on an outerwardly directed surface thereof.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the footwear assembly can include a footwear upper and a lace cable running through a plurality of lace guides. The plurality of lace guides can be distributed along the medial side and the lateral side, and each lace guide of the plurality of lace guides can be adapted to receive a length of the lace cable. The lace cable can extend through each of the plurality of lace guides to form a pattern along each of the medial side and lateral side of the footwear upper. The footwear assembly can also include a medial proximal lace guide routing the lace cable into a lacing engine disposed within a mid-sole portion. Finally, the footwear assembly includes a lateral proximal lace guide to route the lace cable out of the lacing engine.

Abstract: An attachment combination for positioning an accessory along an elongate structure such as a shoe lace a shoe strap, arm or finger where the accessory has a loop attached to the accessory that at least in part holds the accessory to the elongate structure. In one form the accessory has a closed loop held inside a releasable clasp that has an open position for receiving the closed loop and the elongate structure and a closed position that holds the elongate structure and the closed loop together in a pocket formed by the releasable clap. The releasable clasp is a flexible strap having joinable sections that when spaced apart allow the strap to receive both the loop band and the elongate structure and when joined together surround the elongate structure and hold the loop band together with the elongate structure. The joinable sections may be the hook and loop portions of a hook and loop type strap. In another form the releasable clasp may be attached directly to the accessory.

Abstract: A hiking shoe includes a vamp connected to an outsole. The outsole includes a rear section and a front section. The outsole has multiple anti-slip blocks formed thereto. Multiple spikes are respectively and integrally formed to a portion of the anti-slip blocks that are located at the rear section and the front section of the outsole. Each spike has an end face that is formed on the first end thereof, and the end face is in flush with the distal end of the anti-slip block corresponding thereto. The second end of each spike is located within the anti-slip block corresponding thereto and within the outsole. The end face of each spike has multiple grooves defined therein so as to provide friction. Each spike is made by SKD-11 (Steel Kogu Dies-11).

Abstract: A spike is operable to be removably coupled to an article of footwear. The spike includes a first portion that is substantially rigid. The spike also includes a second portion that is resilient.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for applying an adhesive film to the sole of shoes. Application of a portion of the adhesive film can be performed by receiving a shoe on top of the adhesive film, which in turn is above a plate and compressible pins. Upon receiving the shoe, the plate is raised or lowered, and the compressible pins mark the perimeter of the sole of the shoe. The adhesive film is cut in a sole-shaped pattern due to the height differentiation, resulting in a sole-shaped portion of the adhesive film being adhered to the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of isolation sealing, and particularly discloses a sealing strip, which includes a strip-shaped thermal insulating layer and a supporting core rod. Clamps are arranged on the supporting core rod; and the supporting core rod is matched and connected with the strip-shaped thermal insulating layer. According to the sealing strip provided by the present invention, the supporting core rod in the sealing strip provides rigidity for the sealing strip, so that the sealing strip has rigidity, the number of the used clamps is reduced, and automatic mounting can be achieved. The clamps are connected with the sealing strip through the supporting core rod, so that the structure of the strip-shaped thermal insulating layer of the sealing strip is not destroyed, and the sealing and thermal insulating effect is ensured.

Abstract: Fastener stringer may include a knitted fastener tape, and a fastener element attached to the fastener tape. The fastener tape may include a first side-edge portion where the fastener element is provided, a second side-edge portion provided at an opposite side of the first side-edge portion, and a tape main portion provided between the first and second side-edge portions. The first side-edge portion may include one or more chain-stitch yarns formed in one or more wales. The second side-edge portion may not include a chain-stitch yarn. The tape main portion may include M or more chain-stitch yarns formed in M or more wales. M may indicate a natural number equal to or greater than one third of the total number of wales included in the fastener tape. Difference in yarn density may be caused between the tape main portion and the second side-edge portion.