Abstract: Starch-based extruded food products and methods for manufacturing starch-based extruded food products, such as snacks, are disclosed. For example, a starch-based dough may be extruded, cut, and cooked to form a starch-based extruded food product with a rigid extruded body. The cooking process may include baking and/or frying the cut extrusion. The rigid extruded body of the starch-based extruded food product is made up of bodies or segments coupled at joints. The rigid extruded bodies are configured such that bodies of the rigid extruded body may be broken off or separated at the joints to be consumed.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the presently disclosed inventive concepts, a product includes a porous three-dimensional (3D) printed polymer structure having elastomeric shape memory, where the structure includes a material comprising a plurality of gas-filled microballoons. The 3D printed polymer structure has hierarchical porosity.

Abstract: A product includes a porous three-dimensional printed structure having printed filaments arranged in a geometric pattern. The printed filaments include a material having a plurality of gas-filled microballoons. The printed structure has hierarchical porosity including an inter-filament porosity defined by the arrangement of the printed filaments, and an intra-filament porosity of the material. The intra-filament porosity is defined by the plurality of gas-filled microballoons in the material of the printed filament.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the presently disclosed inventive concepts, a product includes a porous three-dimensional (3D) printed polymer structure having elastomeric shape memory, where the structure includes a material comprising a plurality of gas-filled microballoons. The 3D printed polymer structure has hierarchical porosity.

Abstract: In accordance with principles described herein, portable heated seats, and methods and systems for using the same, are provided that overcome some (or all) of the problems commonly associated with existing seats. These portable heated seats are easily transportable, and are preferably provided with cushion material to compensate for various seating conditions that may otherwise be faced by a user. One or more heating elements, preferably made of flexible graphite felt, are also provided in each portable heated seat. The heat settings of the one or more heating elements are controlled by one or more on/off switches, open loop temperature regulators, pressure push switches, sensor switches, and/or fuse circuits. A backrest (similarly heated or not heated) may also be used in association with the portable heated seat. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with principles described herein, portable heated seats, and methods and systems for using the same, are provided that overcome some (or all) of the problems commonly associated with existing seats. These portable heated seats are easily transportable, and are preferably provided with cushion material to compensate for various seating conditions that may otherwise be faced by a user. One or more heating elements, preferably made of flexible graphite felt, are also provided in each portable heated seat. The heat settings of the one or more heating elements are controlled by one or more on/off switches, open loop temperature regulators, pressure push switches, sensor switches, and/or fuse circuits. A backrest (similarly heated or not heated) may also be used in association with the portable heated seat. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for enabling power-efficient and safe use of a portable electronic apparatus such as a glue gun. The tool is designed so as to allow for cordless operation, and the sizing, shape and composition of the heater and the motion sensing, temperature sensing and timing circuitry that are incorporated into the device maximize the amount of heat output to thereby minimize the energy required for powering the tool.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for enabling power-efficient and safe use of a portable electronic apparatus such as a glue gun. The tool is designed so as to allow for cordless operation, and the sizing, shape and composition of the heater and the motion sensing, temperature sensing and timing circuitry that are incorporated into the device maximize the amount of heat output to thereby minimize the energy required for powering the tool.