Abstract: The present invention involves methods for improving the quality of the hair of a non-human animal and for increasing the 18-methyleicosanoic acid content of the hair of a non-human animal comprising feeding to the animal an edible composition comprising an effective amount of an amino acid selected from the group comprising isoleucine, threonine, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An animal food composition comprising a protein source and corn starch, wherein native high-amylose corn starch comprises at least 50% of the corn starch. The composition can be used to treat or prevent a food allergy in an animal. Also, a process for the preparation of an animal food composition comprising mixing a protein source, corn starch and water to form a mixture and heating the mixture; wherein native high-amylose corn starch comprises at least 50% of the corn starch.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a moist animal food composition comprising a food component, wherein the method comprises: treating the food component with transglutaminase and at least one further agent selected from gluten and alginate. The invention further provides a method of increasing the firmness of a food component comprising treating the food component with transglutaminase and at least one further agent selected from gluten and alginate.

Abstract: Methods of feeding ruminants involve positioning the feed blocks in a pasture accessible to the ruminants. The feed block may have a total fat content of about 7 wt % to 33 wt % and an intake modifier to control intake of the feed blocks. High fat pellets having a high total fat content provide at least a portion of the fat in the high fat feed blocks. The methods control a rate of ingestion of high fat feed blocks by ruminants while not negatively affecting performance, and in some instances, ingestion of the blocks results in improved performance.

Abstract: To provide a wet-type pet food that allows stabilization of quality by fine adjustment of mineral amounts and is superior in preference qualities. A pet food containing at least 5% by mass and no greater than 50% by mass of solids, comprising: an animal-derived protein raw material; a plant-derived protein raw material; magnesium, sodium, phosphorous and chlorine; a preference improving substance composed mainly of a chicken-derived amino acid; and water, wherein: a ratio by mass of a total content of the plant-derived protein raw material to a total content of the animal-derived protein raw material is at least 0.15; and a total content of the magnesium, the sodium, the phosphorous and the chlorine in the solids is no greater than 5% by mass in terms of element content.

Abstract: A dietary food product achieves an improved feeling of well-being. The dietary food product is made of untreated oat straw, that is pureed to form a gruel, and the gruel is then cooked to render it durable. A large vitamin cocktail is added once per day. The food product may be cooked using diverse recipes.

Abstract: In the present invention, an uncooked noodle prepared from a main raw material including at least wheat flour and starch is dried in humidified high-temperature heated air using heated air having a humidity of 80 mmHg-300 mmHg and a temperature of 110° C.-150° C. A heated-air-dried instant noodle is thereby obtained which has excellent restorability, and in which a dried noodle block has excellent strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting molecules of interest from a plant matrix, the method including the following steps: electrically processing the plant matrix by means of pulsed power; diffusing the molecules of interest from the processed plant matrix in a hydroalcoholic solvent and/or a solvent including ethyl acetate; and recovering the molecules of interest that were diffused.

Abstract: The present invention provides masking compositions that include a lower alkyl carboxylic acid, e.g. acetic acid. Also provided is a masking composition that includes (a) a lower alkyl carboxylic acid (e.g. acetic acid), a warming sensate (e.g. vanillin or vanillyl butyl ether) and/or a cooling sensate (e.g. menthol or isopulegol).

Abstract: The invention describes a stevia sweetener with improved solubility in an aqueous solution for convenience of use in the food and beverage industry.

Abstract: An aqueous carbonated beverage comprises any one of: 0.01 w/v % or more of a LM pectin; 0.1 w/v % or more of alginic acid or a salt thereof; and 0.001 w/v % or more of gellan gum, wherein the aqueous carbonated beverage has a pH of 3.5 to 7.0.

Abstract: Non-medical use of at least two components selected from the group of: (i) nucleoside equivalents, (ii) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids selected from the group of DHA, DPA and EPA, (iii) vitamins B, (iv) phospholipids, (v) antioxidants and (vi) cholines—with the proviso that at least one (i) nucleoside or at least one (iii) vitamin B is present—for increasing or maintaining the body weight, for improving the ability to perform an activity of daily living of a mammal, for maintaining the ability to perform an activity of daily living of a mammal, or for reducing a deterioration in the ability to perform an activity of daily living of a mammal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a powder consisting of 0.5 to 0.8% by weight of water and a dry material consisting of 88 to 95% by weight of an acerola fruit dry extract and 5 to 12% by weight of magnesium, calcium, zinc, sodium or potassium hydroxide or carbonate, the method of preparing same and the applications thereof for replacing ascorbic acid and/or the derivatives of same in food products.

Abstract: The invention is about a method of increasing the solubility of fat-soluble nutrient in water. The method comprises a step (1 1) of increasing the pH of water to generate alkaline water with a pH of at least about 8.0; a step (12) of mixing the water with an edible oil to generate surfactant-containing water; a step (13) of adjusting the pH of the surfactant-containing water to a predetermined range; and a step (14) of combining the surfactant-containing water and substance containing the fat-soluble nutrient to produce food or drink. An apparatus for conducting the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an efficient method of improving the solubility of zinc in zinc-containing still drinking water so as to extend its shelf life. This method comprises a carbonating step of said still drinking water with a low carbon dioxide concentration.

Abstract: Provided herein is a degassing valve for a foodstuff product including a valve body, a one-way valve element positioned on the valve body, and a filter associated with said valve body wherein the filter is configured to facilitate the passage of a gas. The gas may be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, and methane. Additionally, the gas may be a longer molecular chain gas that comprises the aroma of the product. The filter of the valve body may include activated charcoal, an activated charcoal mixture or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the foodstuff product comprises breadcrumbs, spices, or other flavorful dry foods, the aroma(s) of which can provide an important marketing benefit.

Abstract: Equipment for treatment of tobacco or another bulk material sensitive to mechanical stress, the equipment having: (i) a rotatable treatment drum with a material inlet and a material outlet; (ii) a treatment fluid inlet; (iii) a treatment fluid excess outlet; (iv) a drive motor for the rotatable treatment drum; and (v) a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for smoking article assembly comprises a plurality of modules and a plurality of respective interface units, and a controller to control said plurality of modules via said interface units. The modular apparatus is configured to cause received rods of smokable material to undergo a first sequence of operations. The modular apparatus can be reconfigured so as to cause received rods of smokable material to undergo a second sequence of operations, different to the first sequence of operations. The first and second sequences of operations respectively form at least part of first and second processes for assembling smoking articles, each smoking article comprising one of said rods of smokable material, which is smoked in use.

Abstract: A cigarette paper is disclosed which contains pulp fibres and filler material particles, wherein at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight and particularly at least 90% by weight of the filler material has a particle size distribution measured in accordance with ISO 13320 for which for the distribution parameter p=d10+2·d30+2·d70-d90 holds: p?5.0 ?m, preferably p?4.0 ?m and particularly preferably p?3.5 ?m, and p??1.0 ?m, preferably p?0.0 ?m and particularly preferably p?1.0 ?m.

Abstract: A cigarette holder for filter-less or hand rolled cigarettes that comprises a hollow tube with a flange extending from its end and at least one spring which presses directly or indirectly against the proximate side of the flange. The spring is compressed and the flanged tube is inserted into the end of a cigarette. The spring is then released and it extends to secure the paper from the cigarette around the outside of the tube and against the flange. The cigarette is then held firmly in place such that it extends away from both the fingers and the lips with the cigarette holder's tube is in its interior.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to electronic vaporizing devices comprising a plurality of components, and mechanisms for locking or otherwise securing the components together. Components of the electronic vaporizing devices may include a cartridge (e.g., including a liquid for vaporization) and a battery unit (e.g., including a rechargeable battery), among other possible components. The electronic vaporizing devices may be at least partially disassembled to allow a user to replace, replenish, recharge, and/or repair the device, as needed.

Abstract: An electronic smoking system includes an electronic smoking device; a pack communicatively linked to the device, the pack configured to hold the device; and a computer communicatively linked to the pack and to at least one communication channel; wherein the communication channel is configured to share data with at least one of a social network, a vendor, a clinical monitoring program, or a data collection program.

Abstract: An exemplary electronic cigarette includes an atomizer and a power supply. The atomizer includes one of a first connector and a second connector, and the power supply includes the other of a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a cylindrical plug. The plug has a recessed portion in a side surface thereof. The second connector includes a holder, a movable component, and a force exerting component. The holder is configured for receiving the plug. The movable component is movable arranged on a sidewall of the holder. The force exerting component is configured for exerting an elastic force on the movable component. The movable component is configured for ejecting from the sidewall to engage in the recessed portion when the movable component ejecting from the sidewall, and for retracting relative to the sidewall when the plug is inserted into the holder.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus and an assembling method for automatically assembling an electrode connector of an electronic cigarette are provided according to the present application. The assembling apparatus includes a rotating disk, a rotating disk driving device, material fixing seats, a first material sensing area, a sensor, a material picking arm and a controller. The electrode connector of the electronic cigarette may be assembled automatically by the material picking arm, which reduces the labor efforts and improves the efficiency and also saves the cost. Further, during the assembling operation, the material picking arms picks up the material and places the material on the material fixing seat to achieve the assembling operation, thereby improving the precision during the assembling operation, and avoiding material wastage caused by inaccurate operation or excessive force being applied, and further avoiding unnecessary waste.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a glove, an illumination assembly partially disposed in a finger portion of the glove, and an actuator removably disposed in a portion of the glove. A housing of the illumination assembly includes a flange with a portion disposed in a region of the glove between the finger portion and a thumb portion and a mounting portion at least partially disposed within an aperture defined by the finger portion and coupled to an illumination member of the illumination assembly. The flange coupling the housing to the glove to retain the mounting portion in a substantially fixed orientation within the aperture and to space the illumination member a non-zero distance from an exterior surface of the glove. The actuator transitionable between a first configuration in which electric power is withheld from the illumination member and a second configuration in which electric power is delivered to the illumination member.

Abstract: Man or woman trousers include first (2) and second (3) leg portions, adapted to receive corresponding legs of a wearer; a waist portion (4) adapted to surround the wearer waist; a crotch portion (5) arranged between the first (2) and second leg portions (3) extending between a front portion (4?) and a back portion (4?) of waist portion (4). The crotch portion is adapted to cover user genital area. The trousers (1) further =include one or more seams (6) for connecting crotch portion (5) to first leg portion (2) and/or second leg portion (3) and/or waist portion (4). Seams (6) are arranged so that they are outside said wearer genital area when the trousers (1) are worn by the latter.

Abstract: A facial cushion for a goggle may have a plurality of layers which provide cushioning, cooling and ergonomic fit functions. The top layer which contacts the wearer's face may have an embossed pattern which creates an air space between the wearer's face and the top layer for providing a cooling function. The embossed top layer also increases the total surface area of the top layer thereby increasing its wicking ability and reduces the total skin contact surface area of the top layer reducing heat. Additionally, the cushion may be thicker at left and right end portions to maintain contact with the wearer's face despite pulling of the left and right ends of the goggle when the goggle is worn with a helmet.

Abstract: A garment including a one-way inlet line including a desiccant to remove moisture from the user's breath, the inlet line being connected to a chamber formed by at least a portion of the front and back of the garment. The line extends through a portion of the garment to a designated location where warm air from the user's breath is distributed in the chamber. There is a second valve that the user operates to release the contained air, such as when one goes inside or when one wants to replenish the warm air after a period of time has passed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for inhibiting the spread of disease. The apparatus to inhibit the spread of disease includes a mucous collection chamber and a filter. The mucus collection chamber is configured to receive mucus expelled during one of a cough and a sneeze. The mucus collection chamber includes a support member having a coupling surface positoned opposite a filter receiving surface. A wall extends perpendicularly from the filter receiving surface of the support member in a direction opposite the coupling surface of the support member. The wall and the filter receiving surface define a filter receiving space. The filter is positionable in the filter receiving space. The filter is made of an antimicrobial material for collecting mucus.

Abstract: A surgical gown for protecting the wearer while maintaining the sterile field, and further offering the wearer the ability to directly access and interface with technological equipment being operated during a surgical procedure. The surgical gown comprising one or more functional windows positioned on the gown to allow the wearer to interface in a sterile manner with a device attached to the wearer underneath the gown, for example a device attached to the wearer's arm and/or chest. The windows disposed in the gown are sized and adapted to accommodate a variety of devices including cameras for POV filming and/or recording, as well as control displays for local or remotely located technological equipment.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a convertible tennis garment. The garment includes a tennis skirt. Integrated shorts are fixedly attached to and located within the tennis skirt. Leggings are removably attachable to the shorts, such that the leggings can be attached to the shorts and removed from the shorts based on environmental conditions and/or a state of warm up of the tennis player.

Abstract: Sock and gaiter knitted integrally in a single garment. The sock comprises a legging (1) and a foot of the sock (3). Coupled to the sock, there is a gaiter (2) along the sock circular section, between said legging (1) and said foot (3). Through the inherent elasticity of the sock (1, 3) and of the gaiter namely in its circular section union, one can get an adaptable piece and able to keep in proper position to prevent the entry of foreign bodies or liquids, namely water, earth or sand, to the inside of the shoe, even under conditions of high effort and movement by the user. One can include adjusting means (4). This type of elastic adjustment, which prevents movements better than existing protections by being coupled to the legging (1) of the sock, allows superior sealing and maintains the comfort and safety of its user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pocket system includes an item of clothing having a waistband portion that is connected to first and second leg portions by one or more waistband seams arranged around at least a portion of the waistband portion. The first leg portion includes one or more first leg seams, and the second leg portion includes one or more second leg seams. The system further includes one or more waistband cables coupled to a portion of the one or more waistband seams, and one or more leg cables coupled to a portion of the one or more first leg seams and further coupled to the one or more waistband cables. The system also include a first pocket frame coupled to the one or more leg cables, and a first pocket coupled to the first pocket frame.

Abstract: The sports jacket has a closable cooling opening (2) in the underarm area (1) of each sleeve. These cooling openings (2) are arranged in the underarm area (1) of the sleeves on the side that is intended to face the inner side of the underarm. The cooling openings (2) are each equipped with a zip, by means of which said openings can be opened and closed. On the inner side of the openings, the openings each have a window, which is formed in the interior lining (7) of the sleeve and is covered with an air-permeable textile material (4). The window can be enclosed by an elastic profile made of plastic or spring steel, which holds the window open in the relaxed state, or by an elastic profile on each side, which two profiles, in cooperation with a rotary closure (5) that is installed in the window, hold the window open in the relaxed state. The ends of the window are then drawn together by actuating the rotary closure.

Abstract: A wig base comprises a sheet of material having a dome shape with a peak a border defining a bottom opening and an anterior portion comprising net material. A reinforcement, for a gap that can be formed in a selected area of the net material adjacent the bottom opening, is provided by one of a plurality of strips of fabric each of which has a pair of opposite ends spaced from each other and located adjacent the border of the sheet, and a U-shaped intermediate portion connecting one of the ends to the other and extending from the border toward the peak. A wearer's natural hair can be passed through a gap and blended with hair woven to the net material of wig base. The reinforcement maintains the integrity of the wig base.

Abstract: An attachment structure including a single planar blank that may be processed in high volumes, such as by a four-slide machine or other apparatus achieving similar processing efficiency. After manufacture from the blank, the attachment structure includes a spine that excludes hair while serving as a locus for removal. Jaws extend from the spine to encircle and contain a quantity of both client hair and extension hair. A set of interposing forward teeth help ensure that the contained hair remains properly positioned when the jaws of the clip are closed/crushed. Internal dimensions of the jaw portions defining the jaws/mouth may be designed to help ensure that there is good surface area contact between the client hair and the extension hair to produce the desired mechanical joining force securing the extension in place and resist tensile loading of the extension.

Abstract: A hair extension device is provided, the device comprising: at least two panels, each panel having two strips of polyurethane; a plurality of hair having opposing ends, the first ends are sewn together and being situated between two strips, the second ends being freely movable; at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of the first panel; a string attached and secured to the apertures on the first panel; and a device for connecting the second panel to the first panel.

Abstract: A reversibly attachable garment hood that has a garment hood portion configured to cover a wearer's head and an extension portion extending downward from a bottom of the hood, the extension portion having a back surface and a front surface. One or more fastener components are connected to the back surface of the extension portion for connection to interacting fastener components on a garment. A kit for a reversibly attachable garment hood includes a hood having an extension portion extending from the bottom of the hood. First and second fastener components are included in the kit, the first components being configured to attach to the extension portion of the hood and the second components being configured to attach to a back surface of a garment. Instructions are included for attachment of the first and second fastener components and reversible attachment and detachment of the hood to the garment.

Abstract: A flip cap which has crown and bill portions, the bill having upper and lower members, at least one of the upper and lower members having a surface capable of displaying information secured thereto when the upper and lower members are spaced-apart.

Abstract: An interchangeable cap having removable covers. The cap resembles a baseball cap with a billed portion and a dome shaped portion defining an interior volume. The cap includes a plurality of covers being a first cover, a second cover and a third cover for placement over top thereof. The baseball cap and the first cover provide fasteners. The first cover has an ovoid shape having an open bottom and laces to simulate the appearance of a football. The cap provides a perimeter edge having an open upper, wherein the first cover can be fitted thereover and the perimeter edge of the first cover can be tucked into the open upper thereof. The second cover is ovoid shape to fit over the first cover having an interior volume and a cutout, wherein the laces of the first cover can extend therethrough and remain flush therewith. The third cover comprises a visor.

Abstract: A bicycle safety helmet with Light Emitting Diodes or LED Lights, comprising: a lightweight and high quality protective helmet made of impact resistant, micro shell plastic exterior that encases a molded, shock absorbent, EPS polymeric foam liner, further comprising a bright white LED headlight and an array of red LED lights along the helmet's sides and back.

Abstract: A practice device is disclosed for attachment to a face mask of a football helmet or the like. The practice device includes a weighted body portion that has a flexible stem. A clip or clasp attaches the outer end of the stem to the face mask. The clasp attaches the device to the helmet in a manner so that the body portion of the device partially obstructs the helmet wearer's view and thereby allows the wearer to practice throwing a ball (or receiving) while view is obstructed.

Abstract: A protection helmet includes a crown provided with a frontal part and an occipital part including an inner occipital part, a neckband having an inner surface designed to be in contact with a user's head, and articulation means configured to allow passage of the neckband from a use position to a storage position of the protection helmet. In the storage position, the neckband is folded into the occipital part of the crown so that the inner surface is facing the inner occipital part of the crown.

Abstract: A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move linearly and angularly relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move linearly and angularly relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: This device was originated to keep a hat on a head. The device attaches to the lower edge of a hat, and is easily removed. It uses a simple, small tensioning device; to secure the strap under the chin of the wearer. When in use, the strap will not interfere with the activity of the wearer. This invention has turned out to also be very useful as a general utility strap to secure, or hang a wide variety of objects.

Abstract: A footwear article comprising a generally elongate sole for engagement with and support of the foot of a person, said sole having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first portion being for interaction with at least the heel region of the foot of the person and a second portion for interaction with at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the person; and a foot engagement means for securing the footwear article to the foot of a person. The footwear article being characterised in that a first portion of the sole includes a first material having a first material property and the a second portion of the sole includes a second material having a second material property; and said first portion and said second portion extend at least to the upper surface of the sole and first material property provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person upon contact with a surface.

Abstract: A sports boot having a rigid shell base designed to hold the foot of a user, the shell base including a sole and two lateral sides extending from the sole and defining an upper recess therebetween. The boot includes a mechanism for tightening the shell base around the foot of the user, the tightening mechanism including a filiform element for tightening the sides towards one another, the filiform element being tightened by pivoting a lever of the mechanism. The lever is provided to be pivoted in a notch of a rack designed to cover the two sides of the shell base in the tightened configuration and to bend the sides towards the sole under the pivoting action of the lever. The rack extends across the upper recess E2.

Abstract: A method of making a skate boot upper, including integrally molding a boot portion from a first material, the boot portion including at least an instep portion and at least part of a tendon guard, manufacturing two quarters of a second material more rigid than the first material, and assembling the upper by attaching edges of the quarters to the boot portion with the quarter overlapping the boot portion only along said edges. Also, a method of making a skate boot upper, including manufacturing a boot portion from a first material, the boot portion including at least an instep portion and at least part of a tendon guard, manufacturing two quarters of a second material more rigid than the first material, and assembling the upper by attaching edges of the quarters to the boot portion through stitching, adhesive or lamination.

Abstract: Support plates, and footwear soles and articles of footwear containing the same. The support plate generally may provide one or more of heel cushioning, arch support in a midfoot region of the support plate, and integral medial and lateral legs extending from the midfoot region of the support plate towards an anterior end of the support plate. An article of footwear may include a support plate at least partially embedded within a sole assembly, such as a midsole thereof. The support plate may be configured to provide energy return and arch support to a wearer of the article of footwear. The support plate may include a domed structure with radially extending arms extending from a central heel portion, where the domed structure provides heel cushioning to the wearer when a force is transmitted through the midsole to the domed structure.