Abstract: The present invention relates to new aqueous microemulsions containing organic pesticide compounds of limited water-solubility and to their use for plant protection, including seed and crop protection, and protection or non-living material. The aqueous microemulsions comprise a) at least one pyrethroid compound P; b) at least one organic solvent, selected from compounds of the formula I R1—(O-Alk)m-O—C(O)R2 (I) wherein m is 1, 2 or 3, R1 is H, C1-C6-alkyl or C(O)R3, R2 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted with OH, Alk is C2-C6-alkylene, and R3 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted with OH; c) at least one surfactant; and d) water.

Abstract: Provided is a chlorine dioxide-generating product comprising an inorganic porous carrier carrying a chlorite and an alkali agent. In the product, the alkali agent is carried in an amount of more than 0.7 molar equivalent and not more than 2 molar equivalents relative to the amount of the chlorite carried, and the product has a water content of 10% by weight or less. The chlorine dioxide-generating product can stably generate chlorine dioxide gas in an amount that sufficiently achieves deodorization, sterilization, virus removal, mold prevention, antisepsis, or the like of spatial environments, foods, or others but exerts no harmful effect on humans, over a long period of time.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: A dough preparing machine operable to mix and divide dough so as to form a plurality of individual loaves of bread in a relatively compact space is provided. The dough preparing machine includes a compressing and dividing device, a bowl, a pivotable mixing arm, a rounder, and a sheeter molder. The dough preparing machine further includes a transfer device having a first arm and an opposable gripper operable to handle the rounded individual balls of dough. The compressing and dividing device configured to press the dough uniformly within the bowl, and divide the compressed dough into individual balls of dough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for removing wing tips (2t) from carcass parts of slaughtered poultry, comprising a wing tip processing station (100) with a wing tip cutter (105) adapted to remove the wing tip segment from the lower wing member, and a set of multiple wing guides (101, 102) for guiding and positioning one wing so as to define the position of the lower wing member, the wing tip joint and the wing tip of said one wing at the wing tip cutter. At least one upper wing member guide (101) and at least one lower wing member guide (102) is provided.

Abstract: Grapes while attached to the stems where they formed are cooled with the removal of excess moisture and are enclosed within an enclosure containing a gaseous atmosphere (e.g., air) bounded by a semi-permeable film having an oxygen transmission rate of approximately 100 to 400 cm3-mil/m2/24 hr., and preferably approximately 260 to 325 cm3-mil/m2/24 hr. The enclosure is sealed and the concentration of carbon dioxide present therein is adjusted to an initial concentration of approximately 3 to 19 percent by volume (preferably 13 to 18 percent by volume). The initial concentration of carbon dioxide within the specified semi-permeable enclosure has been found to well prolong the storage life of the grapes stored therein at a temperature of approximately 31 to 35° F. with the advantageous promotion of continued grape respiration at a low level during storage. The grape quality for the intended end use (e.g., human consumption as a table grape) is effectively extended.

Abstract: A beverage including protein, plant sterol ester and/or plant stanol ester, a fruit and/or vegetable preparation, and a stabilizer.

Abstract: For producing an aerated confectionery mass, a raw confectionery mass is fed at a feed rate from a supply to an aeration unit for introducing gas into the confectionery mass and wherein the aerated confectionery mass is fed to a production line for the production of confectionery or tablets. The feed rate of the raw confectionery mass is controlled such that it corresponds to the demand of the production line, the amount of introduced gas is controlled in response to the feed rate of the confectionery mass so that the aeration level of the confectionery mass remains substantially constant and the temperature of the aeration mass within the aeration unit is controlled such that it remains substantially constant and independent from the feed rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a confectionery product comprising an extruded body portion, the body portion having a plurality of capillaries disposed therein, one or more of the capillaries being at least partially filled with a fill material which is a different material from that of the extruded body portion, the fill material and optionally the body portion comprising various active and/or reactive components. Some embodiments are designed to provide sequential release profiles. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of the same.

Abstract: A rocker chiller 10 includes a tank 12 with a dasher assembly 26 that oscillates across the curved bottom wall of the tank. A series of central deflectors 40 are positioned at intervals along the length of the tank and another series of side deflectors 46 are mounted at intervals along the upwardly extending side walls 16 and 18 of the tank. The side deflectors are offset longitudinally with respect to the central deflectors. The offset relationship of the side deflectors and central deflectors creates serpentine paths through the elongated tank on both sides of the tank that require the carcasses to move through more of the heat exchanging liquid and which reduces the tendency of carcasses passing each other.

Abstract: An aspect provides a method of preparing a pet food product, including: placing a highly soluble aromatic composition in an upper portion of an appliance; placing a container having a composition comprising a grain based product and a dry pet food palatant in a lower portion of said appliance; mixing heated water with said highly soluble aromatic composition in said upper portion to form a heated aromatic liquid mixture; and catching said heated aromatic liquid mixture in said lower portion. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crumb coated food product is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming an aqueous mixture including a flour mixture having one or more flours; sodium bicarbonate; optional additives selected from processing aids, salts, colorants and, water; adding the mixture into an extruder; adding an aqueous gelling agent to the extruder; extruding the resultant mixture at a temperature greater than 100° C. to form an extrudate; allowing the extrudate to expand to form a porous product; drying the product, and milling the dried product to form a crumb.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of stovetop popcorn poppers. In one form, the popcorn popper comprises an interoperating apparatus to facilitate the mixing or stirring of the popped popcorn during a coating or flavoring operation.

Abstract: Methods for hydrolyzing okara using endopeptidase and/or endoglucanase enzymes are disclosed. The hydrolyzed okara has a diminished water-holding capacity and is useful for supplementing the protein and fiber content of food products.

Abstract: A whippable topping composition comprising: (a) water-soluble carbohydrates, (b1) hydrogenated vegetable fat, (b2) optionally milk fat, (c) an emulsifier formulation having an HLBFormulation value of less than 9, (d1) a first hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, (d2) a second hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, (e) protein, (f) optionally a non-protein hydrocolloid stabilizer, and (g) water, wherein the weight ratio of first hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (d1) to second hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (d2) is within the range of from 3:1 to 13:1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flavor improving agent that is a fraction derived from fruit juice or squeeze. A fraction wherein the amount of substance ratio between polyphenols and saccharides, the latter after acid hydrolysis of the fraction, (polyphenol/saccharide) is 0.1-10, and even more preferably, wherein the amount of substance ratio of the polyphenol and the saccharide before acid hydrolysis of the fraction (polyphenol/saccharide) is 1-100, and is used as a flavor improving agent. Such fraction are obtained with a method such as by a fruit juice or squeeze being absorbed onto a synthetic resin adsorbent and the adsorbed components being eluted by a solvent, or by extracting fruit juice or squeeze with ethanol. The flavor improving agent has flavor improving effects such as suppressing sourness, bitterness and astringency of foods and beverages, reducing harsh taste, contributing to a juice-like feel and contributing to a richness.

Abstract: The invention provides a meat-fat substitute, the forming composition thereof including: at least one edible gum; at least one starch; and water, wherein the at least one edible gum is present in an amount of about 0.5-20 parts by weight, the at least one starch is present in an amount of about 0.5-10 parts by weight and the water is present in an amount of about 60-99 parts by weight.

Abstract: Beverage additive cartridges, beverage brewing systems and methods of brewing a beverage whereby a beverage additive cartridge containing an ingredient is used in combination with a beverage brewing cartridge to add the ingredient of the additive cartridge to the brewed fluid flow of the brewing cartridge. The resultant brew is an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture that outflows from a brewing machine via an outlet probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for pasteurizing a liquid product (P) consisting of at least one liquid component that can be pumped, comprising a supply container (6) for making the unpasteurized product available, an inlet line (8a) for conveying the unpasteurized product, a pasteurization circuit (25) for pasteurizing the product (P), and an outlet line (8b) for conveying the pasteurized product. The pasteurization circuit (25) comprises a buffer container (2) for holding the product (P) during a prescribed constant contact time for pasteurization and a fluctuating flow rate of the product (P) through the buffer container (2).

Abstract: A cold plasma device for killing or reducing a microbiological pathogen, or denaturing a protein in food, in a food processing system using a cold plasma device. The cold plasma device directs a cold plasma at food or a food surface over an effective area for an effective amount of time. The cold plasma device can be a DBD electrode device, or an army of DBD electrode devices. A grounding rod assembly is also described.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments provide cigarette rolling and forming devices that include parallel cylinders extending between a pair of support plates, and a looped belt trained therearound. One cylinder is moveable relative to the other via a pair of curvilinear slots, and the device is configured for alternately receiving and compressing loose tobacco into a tobacco rod with the belt. In some devices, a nozzle is provided to allow longitudinal displacement of the formed tobacco rod into a pre-formed cigarette tube, and some devices include a pushing device to effect this longitudinal displacement. Some devices include a support trough disposed to prevent sections of the belt from contacting each other, and some devices include a clamping device configured to clamp a pre-formed cigarette tube on the nozzle to prevent its dislodging during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing objects into a smoking article comprises a reservoir for providing a plurality of objects to be introduced into the smoking article, a rotatable wheel for delivering the objects to the location where the objects are to be introduced into the smoking article, a transfer chamber for transferring the objects to the rotatable wheel, the transfer chamber being arranged between the reservoir and the rotatable wheel and being designed such that the objects are aligned into a single vertically arranged layer therein, and means for moving the objects from the single layer in the transfer chamber in a direction towards or along the peripheral surface of the rotatable wheel.

Abstract: A lighter includes a heating element, a data store to store a smoking management plan including one or more rules, and a processor, operatively coupled to the data store and the heating element, to selectively disable activation of the heating element based on the smoking management plan.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a housing having an opening, an ascending/descending means which is positioned inside the housing in order to move a cartridge up or down, the cartridge which contains a solution therein, and is moved up or down by the ascending/descending means so that the cartridge is positioned inside the housing or protrudes from the housing through the opening, an opening/closing means which opens or closes the opening by operating in cooperation with the ascending/descending means, and an ultraviolet (UV) lamp which is positioned inside the housing, and sterilizes the cartridge by irradiating the cartridge with UV radiation. When the electronic cigarette is not being used, the cartridge can be positioned inside the housing in order to prevent the cartridge from being contaminated by impurities such as dust and the cartridge can be sterilized by UV radiation emitted from the UV lamp.

Abstract: An improvement for an adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment, and related methods.

Abstract: A strap assembly includes a chest strap and shoulder straps. Similarly configured left and right cups are provided. The strap assembly is attached to the cups whereby the strap assembly adheres the cups to a wearer. Each cup has curved upper, lower, interior and exterior edges. Each cup has inside and outside surfaces. A patch is operatively associated with each cup. Each patch has a linear upper edge and curved lower, interior and exterior edges. Each patch has inside and outside surfaces. Stitching couples the lower, interior and exterior edges of each patch to the lower, interior and exterior edges of an associated cup. A linear opening is formed along the upper edge of each patch. Piping covers the upper edge of each patch. The piping is adapted to allow the patch to move away from and back toward the cup between open and closed orientations.

Abstract: A valuables security-enhancing wrap-around apparel, comprising a wrap-around garment body made of flexible clothing material and having fastening means for releasably attaching the apparel securely around a wearer's waist, having a size and shape which when fastened to a wearer's waist substantially conceals and aesthetically covers portions of the wearer's hips, buttocks, upper legs and lower stomach, and comprising a rear apparel portion which extends downwardly in a freely-suspended manner past the wearer's buttocks to define an optimum or maximum concealed three-dimensional (3D) volume proximate to a rear upper region of the wearer's legs.

Abstract: A garment used to maintain users at a desired temperature during medical procedures. The garment provides openings at predetermined areas of the material to allow a user to be comfortably positioned and provide medical practitioners with access to the body while keeping the user at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A garment for warming a first arm and a shoulder of a wearer includes a sleeve configured to receive the first arm of the wearer and substantially cover the first arm of the wearer. The garment does not including an opposing sleeve configured to receive a second arm of the wearer. The garment further includes a compression adjustment arrangement provided on the sleeve. The compression adjustment arrangement is configured to change a level of compression provided by the sleeve to the first arm of the wearer.

Abstract: A garment for use with an electronic device is provided that has a front surface. A pocket is included that has a window. The pocket has an attached portion that is non-removably attached to the front surface. The pocket has a releasable portion that is releasably attachable to the front surface.

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: A fastener for releasably joining elements of a garment has a male part formed with a pair of oppositely projecting tongues each having a latch tab. A first female part adapted to be mounted on one of the elements is formed with a socket complementary to one of the tongues and is provided with a formation that latches with the tab of the respective tongue when same is inserted in the socket. A second female part adapted to be mounted on the other of the elements is similarly formed with a socket complementary to the other of the tongues, and is provided with a manually releasable latch formation that can move between a holding position latched with the tab of the respective tongue when same is inserted into the respective socket and a freeing position allowing the respective tongue to withdraw from the respective socket.

Abstract: Apparel, sporting equipment, and other items include magnetic securing systems (e.g., for holding a ball marker on a golf glove. Housings for such systems include a mount area defining a base surface that includes a magnet or is made from a magnetic material. At least two retaining walls extend from the mount area and together with the base surface define a receptacle for receiving another component (e.g., a golf ball marker) to be held by magnetic force. In such housings, a combined total perimeter length of interior surfaces of the retaining walls around the receptacle may be less than 50% of a total length around the perimeter of the component being held.

Abstract: A protective headgear is disclosed. The headgear protects regions of the wearer's head including the crown, temples, and chin. The headgear has a closure system having two adjustable closures, operating substantially perpendicular to each other and to reinforce one another, that act to provide custom fit for the headgear and to maintain a field of view for the wearer during use and after repeated uses.

Abstract: An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate various elements that are at least partially formed through a knitting process, such as a circular knitting process or a flat knitting process. Examples of the elements include tongue elements, collar elements, and collar-throat elements. In some configurations, the elements include compressible areas and flange areas. The compressible areas may include free yarn sections that impart compressibility, and the flange areas may be utilized to join the components to the article of footwear.

Abstract: Customized, form-fitting athletic articles with a heat moldable material that a wearer may heat to soften after purchase to conform the heat moldable material so the contours of the wearer's body may provide many advantages for consumers, such as increased comfort, performance, or safety. The heat moldable material may be incorporated into an athletic glove. The heat moldable material may be reusable in that it may be reheated and remolded multiple times so that the article may be re-customized or re-fitted as needed. The article may also include a temperature sensitive indicator that indicates when the heat moldable material has been softened.

Abstract: A baseball shoe includes an upper section coupled to a sole section. The sole section includes a sole, a plurality of cleats, and a pitching rubber engaging mechanism. The cleats are coupled to the sole and the pitching rubber engaging mechanism is associated with the sole. When a pitcher wears the baseball shoe, the pitching rubber engaging mechanism engages a pitching rubber to assist the pitcher with at least one of drive and alignment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot system. In an embodiment, an outer shell has right and left side portions formed by a longitudinal split. A hinged connection is provided between the portions. The open configuration allows placement of an inner liner into the shell. The closed configuration restricts removal of the liner from the shell. A selectively fastenable connector extends between the right and left side portions. The selectively fastenable connector permits selective positioning of the shell between open and closed configurations. The liner of a ski boot includes a wall of material defining inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface defines an exterior having dimensions sized to compressively fit within the shell. The inner surface defines an interior having dimensions sized to receive a foot. A shape memory foam forms at least a portion of the wall of material and is configured to conform to the foot.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gait-altering shoe includes a frame adapted to support a user's foot and at least one wheel that supports the frame above a walking surface, the wheel having a radius that varies as a function of angular position of the wheel.

Abstract: A method of proprioceptive training using an article of athletic equipment having an article of footwear, a knee coupling member, and a biasing member is disclosed. The method includes securing the article of footwear to a foot and securing the knee coupling member to a leg superiorly and inferiorly about a knee joint thereof. Moreover, the method includes biasing the article of footwear relative to the knee coupling member using the biasing member to bias the foot toward plantarflexion relative to the leg to increase proprioception of the foot relative to the leg.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include cleat structures, strapping systems, sole structures, and/or improved natural motion characteristics are described. Also, methods for making such articles of footwear (and particularly sole structures for articles of footwear) are described.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a safety interface plate element that securely attaches to a length of webbing, and further provides a plurality of non-intersecting apertures to couple to a corresponding plurality of safety devices. In an illustrative example, the safety interface plate element may include a slotted opening through which the webbing is threaded. In some examples, the webbing may be removably installed in the slotted opening via a gating mechanism. In some embodiments, the safety interface plate element configured with an embodiment of the gating mechanism may be retrofit to a closed webbing on a pre-fabricated safety harness, for example. In various examples, multiple safety devices may be securely coupled to a safety harness via embodiments of the safety interface plate element.

Abstract: A cord lock comprises a basic portion, and a first hook portion and a second hook portion integrated with the basic portion. The first hook portion and the second hook portion are formed at a first side of the basic portion. The first hook portion has a first concave portion for securing a cord. The second hook portion has a second concave portion for securing the cord. The opening direction of the first concave portion is different from that of the second concave portion. The first concave portion and the second concave portion bend the cord between the first hook portion and the second hook portion so as to secure the cord. The cord lock can be assembled on a cord at any time without having to be assembled on a product in advance and can be removed at any time, thereby making the production arrangement more flexible.

Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener including a pair of fastener stringers in which a plurality of fastener elements, are attached to opposing one-side edges of a pair of fastener tapes each of which is formed by coating a woven and tape-shaped core material with a coating material to form respective fastener element rows, and a slider slidably attached to the fastener element rows to engage and disengage the fastener elements. The tape-shaped core material is formed with a plurality of holes penetrating in a front back direction thereof the holes disposed at positions outer than the fastener elements in a width direction and arranged along a longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. An edge of the each of the holes is molten, and the coating material is formed so as to cove the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A display badge comprises an outer casing having a cover member, a light source disposed within the outer casing, a source of electrical energy electrically connectable to the light source, a fiber optic strand disposed within the outer casing so that a fiber tip of the fiber optic strand extends through the cover member so as to be visible from the outside of the display badge, and a power switch mounted in the outer casing and including a press button partially extending through the cover member. The power switch is electrically connected to the light source and the source of electrical energy so as to selectively turn on the light source by pressing the press button. The fiber optic strand extends between the cover member and the light source, and configured to transmit the light from the light source to the outside of the display badge.

Abstract: A base to hold replaceable decorative elements in which the decorative elements are magnetically held to the base with the base having a centering and locating pin to send into a recess in the decorative element facilitating the assembly of the earring parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an identity shielding device to be used when notable persons do not wish to have their photograph taken. In one embodiment, an identity shielding device has a shaft with first and second ends; a sliding splint slideably attached to the shaft; and a foldable framework attached to the sliding splint and the first end of the shaft, the framework being open at both ends, and having a collapsible shield affixed to the framework. The foldable framework includes both ribs and fasteners.