Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dry hulling harvested pistachios, utilizing an infeed hopper positioned adjacent an elongated rotatable drum having outer projections, wherein a first plate and a second plate are adjustably secured adjacent the drum. Adjustment of the position, angular displacement and gap space of the first plate, as well as adjustment of the gap space of the second plate, provides a configuration that may be adjusted in multiple parameters, including hulling force, dwell time and cutting force level, to optimize the hulling process to accommodate varying conditions of the pistachio product and enhance purity of the hulled product.

Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves.

Abstract: A system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, has a production device having a frame, a mould member provided with at least one mould cavity, the frame supporting the mould member, mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mould cavities of the mould member. The system also has at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mould member is removable from the frame. The system has a storage device for storing a plurality of mould members, which may be provided with an identification, has recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mould member, and may have a memory for storing at least one history of a mould member.

Abstract: Cigarettes are provided which contain a filtering system and flavorants encapsulated with polyvinyl acetate, wherein deactivation of a sorbent by the flavorant is reduced through the encapsulation of the flavorant within the polyvinyl acetate. A preferred flavorant is menthol. The encapsulated flavorants are prepared by mixing at least one flavorant with polyvinyl acetate and a solvent, such as ethanol, and forming the encapsulated flavorants. Methods of making cigarettes and smoking the articles are also provided.

Abstract: A method and assembly machine for producing multicomponent cigarettes, each having a number of portions, which have a central axis, and of which at least one portion is defined by a filtering element, and at least one portion is defined by an aromatic element; the assembly machine has a combining unit for forming groups of portions travelling perpendicularly to their central axis; a first wrapping unit, which receives a succession of groups of portions from the combining unit and feeds them parallel to their central axis; and a second wrapping unit, which receives a succession of groups of portions from the first wrapping unit, feeds them perpendicularly to their central axis, and winds a sheet of wrapping material about each group of portions.

Abstract: A cigarette rolling paper that has three straight edges and one edge curved so that the curved edge can easily be tucked in as the user starts to roll the cigarette, without catching on a corner, which is one of the problems when hand-rolling. With traditional rectangular papers, the top and bottom edge must remain parallel to each other or the leading corner gets caught up and doesn't tuck. This common challenge is somewhat hard to avoid. The curved edge provides increased tolerance for this inaccuracy, and facilitates an easy roll.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a portable hookah. The portable hookah may include at least one longitudinal member. The member may include an energy source coupled to the member. The member may be configured to receive at least one vaporizable element. The vaporizable element may include tobacco or non-tobacco products. The element may be configured to be vaporized by a heat source.

Abstract: A method of using an aerosol-generating device is provided, including bringing a heating element of the aerosol-generating device into contact with an aerosol-forming substrate, raising a temperature of the heating element to a first temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate sufficiently to form an aerosol, removing the heating element from contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and heating the heating element to a second temperature, higher than the first temperature, to thermally liberate organic materials adhered to or deposited on the heating element. An aerosol-generating device is also provided, including a heating element coupled to a controller configured to heat the heating element to the first temperature and to the second temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tobacco vaporizer. The tobacco vaporizer includes a heating assembly, an electrode assembly, a battery assembly and a control assembly; the heating assembly further comprises a heating chamber configured to contain the substance to be vaporized and a heating wire in the heating chamber; the heating wire is connected to the battery assembly through the electrode assembly to obtain electric energy. When implementing the tobacco vaporizer of this invention, the tobacco vaporizer can enlarge contacting area between the heating wire and the substance to be vaporized by placing the heating wire in the heating chamber. It can extract sufficiently the useful component of the substance that is to be vaporized to make the smokers enjoy the special taste and smell of the tobacco, and there are no produced harmful substance, such as CO, tobacco tar and dust and so on.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device including a variable output flow sensor. The variable output flow sensor particularly can be a flex/bend sensor wherein output from the sensor varies based upon changes in electrical current flow (e.g., resistance) along an extension of the sensor relative to flexing or bending of the extension resulting from airflow across the extension. The disclosure further provides methods for controlling operation of an aerosol delivery device through utilization of a variable output flow sensor. In particular, control of functional elements (e.g., a heating member, a fluid delivery member, and a sensory feedback member) can allow for real-time changes in the operation of the aerosol delivery device relative to airflow through the device.

Abstract: An atomizer and an electronic cigarette are provided. The atomizer comprises a sleeve and an atomizing core. A suction nozzle is formed on an end portion of the sleeve; a tobacco-tar storage chamber and an accommodating chamber are defined in the sleeve; an end portion of the sleeve far away from the suction nozzle is an opening end with a tobacco-tar filler hole. The atomizing core includes an atomizing sleeve, an electrode assembly, a heating wire assembly and a tobacco-tar latch member; a tobacco-tar inlet is defined in an end portion of the atomizing sleeve far away from the suction nozzle; the tobacco-tar latch member is sheathed in the atomizing sleeve; the tobacco-tar inlet and the heating wire assembly are respectively arranged on two opposite end portions or two opposite side portions of the tobacco-tar latch member. The present disclosure effectively protects users from tasting the tobacco tar without atomization.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply component, an atomizing assembly, and a pricking means. The liquid supply component is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply component has a sealing means for sealing the tobacco liquid therein. The pricking means for pricking the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a check valve may be utilized to transfer E-liquid from a storage container into an electronic vaporization device, such that unintended leakage of the E-liquid may not occur. An apparatus comprising a check valve, wherein the apparatus is pre-loaded with E-liquid, may be used to dispense liquid into an electronic vaporization device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-layered design for an article of apparel such as swimwear. In particular, at least one layer may include a stretch resistant matrix made of a thermoplastic polymer, a silicone or other similar material to provide additional support and modesty to certain areas of the apparel, such as the bust area. Further, a method of manufacturing the article of apparel is also disclosed. According to aspects described herein, the layers may be integrated using techniques to increase the overall integrity of the apparel.

Abstract: An elongated garment to support a pregnant mother and her unborn baby in utero is provided. The elongated garment may be dimensioned and adapted to lift the abdominal area of the pregnant wearer, support the hip area of the pregnant woman, reduce pelvic floor pressure and low back strain. The elongated garment is also adapted to provide a plurality of safe-decibel audio output which may be used with any media device, with pockets specifically positioned inside said garment used on the abdominal area so as to help guide her unborn baby into a head-down orientation in preparation of birth. The elongated garment is also adapted to provide postpartum support of a new mother's hips and abdominal muscles. The elongated garment may be used to assist with postpartum recovery.

Abstract: An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The sleeve has a curved linear structure. The inputting end is fixed on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a plurality of graphenes.

Abstract: An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The sleeve has a curved linear structure. The inputting end is fixed on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The pant of the present invention is specifically inspired and configured for use in the motor vehicle industry. The pant may be scratchless, meaning that the pant does not have any exposed features that are capable of scratching the finish on a motor vehicle. For example, the pant may comprise a concealed waistband closure mechanism. The pant may also comprise a scratchless security pocket, which is predisposed toward a closed position and thus does not require the use of buttons or the like. The pant may also be configured to provide enhanced mobility and comfort, allowing a wearer a range of movements without interference from his or her clothing. For example, the pant may be manufactured from a stretchable material and/or may comprise a waistband that is configured to stretch so as to provide increased mobility and comfort.

Abstract: A protective equipment item comprising at least one dorsal portion designed for covering at least a portion of the back of a user, and at least two lateral portions, which extend forward to the front from either side of the dorsal portion and each of which defining an arm hole together with the dorsal portion. There is also at least two front portions, with each front portion being fastened respectively to one of the lateral portions, and being provided with releasable fastening means for being fastened in a releasable manner to the other front portion such that the front portions cover at least a portion of the torso of the user when fastened to one another.

Abstract: Wrist guards configured for providing support to a user's wrist are disclosed. An illustrative wrist guard includes a wrist pad having a dorsal section configured for placement adjacent to the anterior side of the user's wrist and a palmar section configured for placement adjacent to the posterior side of the wrist. A number of stiffener elements coupled to the dorsal section of the wrist pad provide support against hyperextension of the user's wrist.

Abstract: According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove more operable in various sports activities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bowling glove and a bowling wrist brace having a laser pointer integrated therein. Each of the glove and the wrist brace includes an index finger section having a compartment on an upper surface thereof. The compartment is configured to store the laser pointer therein. The compartment includes an opening that aligns with a light source disposed on a front end of the laser pointer such that the laser beam from the light source of the laser pointer can shine therethrough. In operation, a bowler can utilize the laser beam to draw an imaginary line between a bowling ball and bowling pins to practice his or her arm swing and to visualize the travel line of the bowling ball after releasing it.

Abstract: The glove includes a hand portion, a sleeve portion integral to the hand portion and extending conically outward, a cuff portion integral with the sleeve portion and extending conically outward, and a connection portion between the cuff portion and the sleeve portion. The cuff portion folds over the sleeve portion at the connection portion. The connection portion includes at least one annular ridge with a respective surface, a first V-shaped channel on a first side of the surface, and a second V-shaped channel on a second side of the surface. The V-shaped channels form creases or bottom portions with a thickness smaller than either the sleeve portion, rim portion, or cuff portion. The V-shaped channel preset a pivot for folding the cuff portion over the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A garment for accommodating an ostomy pouch, the garment comprising a pocket for containing the ostomy pouch, the pocket having a first opening towards a user of the garment when the garment is worn for inserting the ostomy pouch therethrough and into the pocket. The garment also comprises two or more bands encircling the garment, for exerting a compressive force against the user when the garment is worn. Furthermore, a mid-line along a length of the pocket intersects a mid-line of at least one of the two or more bands.

Abstract: A detachable loop used to hang unconventional pieces of clothing on a conventional hanger hook. The product is primarily intended for strapless dresses. The first embodiment uses an open strap with magnets at each end. The strap can be secured by the magnets with the dress material between the magnets. Non-skid material may optionally coat the hanger grips. A second embodiment uses a clip at the ends of a closed loop. This product avoids the necessity of using the unsightly and uncomfortable hanger loops that are typically sewn into garments by manufacturers.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to the design of ventilated suits comprising air distribution systems. Embodiments include air distribution systems that extend into the four limbs of the suit as well as the hood portion of the suit, wherein the air distribution system is attached to the back side of the suit.

Abstract: Described are multilayered breathable and waterproof materials having at least two nonwoven fiber layers, each fiber layer including a plurality of unidirectionally oriented fibers coated with a matrix material. The fibers in a first one of the at least two nonwoven fibers layers form an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the fibers in another one of the at least two nonwoven fiber layers. An outer layer is adhered to a side of one of the at least two nonwoven fiber layers. A polyurethane inner membrane is adhered to another side of the at least two nonwoven fiber layers, wherein at least the inner membrane is embossed.

Abstract: A tensioning and closure system for a waistband of a garment, such as trousers is disclosed. A waistband defines an opening and a tensioning member is secured on one side of the opening. A receiver configured to receive the tensioning member is positioned on an opposite side of the opening and receives the tensioning member in order to close the opening. A tensioning strap includes a first portion anchored at a first end and extending to the tensioning member and a second portion passing from the tensioning member back toward the first end. A second end of the tensioning strap may be pulled to increase tension in the first portion and adjust the effective size of the waistband. The first portion may pass through a first sleeve secured to the waistband and the second portion may pass through a second sleeve secured to the waistband and overlapping the first sleeve.

Abstract: A belt that is self-adjustable to the waist comprises a long flexible strap (1), which constitutes the belt itself, with a cross-section formed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap (2), like a flattened tube, one of the ends of the strap being folded (3) and normally receiving at least one belt loop (4) and a conventional coupling device (5) suitable for providing means for quickly adjusting and coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap (1); the strap (1) is split into two parts near the fold (3), forming two adjacent ends (6) and (7), inside which an elastic strap (8) and a guide tongue (9) operate and together allow a variable belt diameter to be achieved after the belt is adjusted to the user's body. This effect can also be obtained with other arrangements, i.e.

Abstract: A covering assembly comprises a cover portion comprising an elastic material having an inner surface and an outer surface. The cover portion is configured to be operable to stretch over at least a portion of a helmet. At least one cover fastener is joined to the inner surface. The cover fastener is configured to be operable to removably join the cover portion to the helmet. At least one extension fastener is joined to the outer surface. The extension fastener is configured to be operable to removably join at least one extension portion to the outer surface in which the extension portion visibly protrudes from the cover portion.

Abstract: The conventional surveillance angle, in which activities are observed from a helmet camera mounted at the top, separates a participant of an activity, such as sports, from his immediate experience. A different point of view can be taken from the camera when it is mounted via the Y-shaped accessory mount over the apogee of the helmet chin bar. This point of view is a sousveillance in which the observation is down at a human level so as to allow a consumer of the recorded contents of the sousveillance to connect with the sportsman by vicariously undergoing the immediacy of his sporting experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively attaching an accessory mount to a helmet are disclosed. A carrier may be used to position the accessory mount on the helmet. The accessory mount may be positioned on the helmet without engaging the rim of the helmet. The carrier may be compatible with various accessory mounts to permit mounting of different accessories. The accessory mount may be a powered mount for attachment to a Night Vision Device (NVD) such as Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG), or the accessory mount may be a non-powered accessory mount.

Abstract: An adaptive fit helmet can comprise an outer shell, and energy-absorbing material, and a fit system. The outer shell can comprise a top portion, a side portion, and an outer expansion area that extends along an interface of the top portion and the side portion from a temple area of the outer shell to a lower exterior edge of the outer shell. The energy-absorbing material can be disposed within the outer shell, wherein the energy-absorbing material further comprises a top portion, a side portion, and an inner expansion area between edges of the top portion and the side portion of the energy-absorbing material such that the inner expansion area corresponds with the outer expansion area. The fit system can comprise a belt and a fit system mechanism that control a three-dimensional size and shape of both the outer shell and the energy-absorbing material.

Abstract: This application relates to a headgear that provides a moisture wicking mechanism. In various embodiments, a headgear may include a crown with a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and two sides. In various embodiments, the top, front, rear and two sides may enclose an interior space, open at the bottom. In various embodiments, the bottom may include a perimeter, and the crown may include an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface facing the interior space. In some embodiments, the crown may include multiple sections joined at seams, and the seams may form a convergence at the top of the crown. In some embodiments, a dome comprised of wicking material may at least partially cover the top of the crown, may have a wicking element comprised of wicking material, and may extend through the convergence of seams into the interior space of the crown.

Abstract: A shoe locating system locates a missing match of a pair of shoes. The system includes a left shoe processor unit and a left shoe transceiver each coupled to a left shoe. The left shoe transceiver is communicatively coupled to the left shoe processor unit. A right shoe processor unit and a right shoe transceiver each is coupled to a right shoe. The right shoe transceiver is communicatively coupled to the right shoe processor unit and the left shoe transceiver. A left shoe signal assembly communicatively coupled to the left shoe processor unit produces a left shoe alert signal when the left shoe transceiver receives a left shoe tracking signal from the right shoe transceiver. A right shoe signal assembly communicatively coupled to the right shoe processor unit produces a right shoe alert signal when the right shoe transceiver receives a right shoe tracking signal from the left shoe transceiver.

Abstract: A sandal having an adjustable strap includes a sole having a foot bed, a toe strap, and a lateral strap. The two strap has a first end that connects to the sole and a second end that includes an attachment surface. The lateral strap has a first and second ends that connected to the sole and an attachment surface disposed between the first and second ends of the lateral strap. The attachment surfaces of the lateral strap and the toe strap are configured to be releasably connected at a plurality of positions relative to each other.

Abstract: A forefoot running sleeve comprises: a top section configured as a sleeve made of a pliable material and having a mid-foot end and a toe end separated by a length of the pliable material, the mid-foot end providing a first opening that is sized to fit around the middle portion of a foot, the toe end having at least one second opening that is sized to fit around a front end of the foot at which one or more toes are attached; and a bottom section attached to the top section and providing at least one strike plate from which one or more surface-gripping affordances are attached.

Abstract: A bi-layer orthotic having an orthotic portion and a base layer is provided. The orthotic portion is operably coupled at a heel thereof to the base layer by a coupling. The coupling may comprise an off axis rotator axel or an arcuate rotator follower. The bi-layer orthotic is configured to provide therapeutic correction to a pronated or supinated foot.

Abstract: A heated insole for a shoe has an insole body, a heating element, and a removable assembly. The insole body has a recess, and the heating element delivers heat to at least a portion of the insole body. The removable assembly is removable from and insertable into the recess of the insole body, and includes a battery and a control circuit that is configured to control heating of the heating element.

Abstract: Described are supporting elements for a shoe, in particular for soccer shoes or American football shoes, as well as a sole and a shoe with a supporting element. The supporting element includes a first bending stiffness for bendings from an initial unbent state up to an upper end of a threshold angle range, and a second bending stiffness for bendings beyond the upper end of the threshold angle range, wherein the second bending stiffness is greater than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: A disclosed shoe component includes: (a) a toe section, a heel section, a midfoot section therebetween, an exterior side and an opposed interior side, both extending from the heel section through the midfoot section and to the toe section; (b) a closed cell foam heel cup in the heel section; (c) a heel pad in the heel section at least partially surrounded by the heel cup; (d) a plurality of open cell foam members of varying firmness positioned in a movement pattern corresponding to a user's pressure movement Pattern and extending through the midfoot section and into the toe section; and (e) an optional toe closed cell foam member as a filler in the toe section. The open cell foam members can be positioned on either side of the center path corresponding to a movement configuration of a user to provide varying support on either side of the center path.

Abstract: There is provided a structure of a sole which may suppress excessive bending, thereby improving the running efficiency, by reinforcing the front foot portion of a sole having a reduced weight. The disclosure is directed to a shoe sole, including a mid sole 2 for absorbing an impact of landing, an outer sole 1 placed under the mid sole 2 so as to be in contact with ground, and a reinforcement element 3 for suppressing bending of a front foot portion Ff during push-off.

Abstract: An orthotic having a lever rotatably coupled to the underside of the orthotic is provided. A tensioning member is coupled at a first end to the lever and coupled to the underside of the orthotic at a second end. The orthotic may include one or more cut segments along a partial length thereof to which the tensioning member is coupled to cause the orthotic to rotate downward by a therapeutic angle.

Abstract: A footwear sole is described for correcting or controlling pronation of a wearer's foot during walking or running. The sole includes a longitudinal pronation guiding element of harder material than the surrounding midsole body. The longitudinal pronation guiding element serves to provide a predetermined line of increased hardness which can be sensed by the wearer's foot while walking or running, and which gives the wearer a sensory indication of the correctness, or otherwise, of pronation during each step. A medial pronation control element is provided for correcting overpronation during the initial ground-contact phase of each step, and a lateral pronation control element is provided for correcting underpronation during the mid-forefoot phase of each step.

Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The method can include removing material from a preformed member and applying layers of different materials to form a component with different properties in different regions.

Abstract: A molded insert, and methods for forming same, for a rockered foot bed of a boot, such as, but not limited to ice skating boots, or a rockered foot bed of a shoe, such as, but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, is described. The molded insert can be formed of any moldable material that is substantially firm when cured or dried. The moldable material can be used to fill in the concave portion of the rockered foot bed to form a flat, level or planar surface for the bottom of the wearer's foot, especially in the area corresponding from the beginning of the heel portion of the foot to the beginning of the ball of the foot (e.g., the midfoot portion), thus providing adequate support for the foot's arch during typical ice skating maneuvers.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: The invention relates to studded shoes which comprise metal studs and a plastics sole. Studs and sole are connected to one another by a coating of an adhesion promoter composition, wherein the composition comprises at least one copolyamide-based hot-melt adhesive. The studded shoe can be used in the sports sector or hiking sector.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole structure may include a sole component including a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, the first ground engaging member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the sole structure may also include a tapered support structure having a substantially pyramidal shape and extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and partially surrounding the first ground engaging member such that a portion of the first ground engaging member is exposed between edges of the tapered support structure. Also, the tapered support structure may extend downward from the baseplate less than the first ground engaging member.