Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out an operation on slaughtered poultry, comprising suspension devices for suspending the poultry by the legs, a first drum which at its periphery is provided with a first curve formed by a first groove which is being traced by a first projection that connects to a first processing organ so as to arrange that movement of the first processing organ along the periphery of the first drum causes said first processing organ to be placed in an operational position with respect to the poultry being suspended by the legs. Further there are second processing device that cooperate with a second drum provided with a second curve formed by a second groove which is being traced by a second projection connected with the second processing device so as to arrange that by its movement along the periphery of the second drum said second processing device is positioned in its operational position with reference to the poultry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a concentration of carbon dioxide in a gaseous atmosphere within a closed environment of a refrigerated transport container to maintain the concentration of carbon dioxide therein at a desired level. A carbon dioxide scrubber apparatus operates alternately in an adsorption mode and a regeneration mode. When a perishable produce is stowed in the closed environment, for example in a cargo box of a refrigerated transport container, the concentration of carbon dioxide may be maintain at a desired level to retard ripening of the perishable produce.

Abstract: A method for producing frozen fresh cream to be whipped, the method including: cooling fresh cream, wherein in the cooling, the fresh cream is cooled to a temperature of ?5° C. or lower and is changed from 0° C. to ?5° C. for 8 minutes or shorter.

Abstract: Provided is a concentrated coffee extract solution having a rich sweet aroma and a clear aftertaste. The concentrated coffee extract solution contains the following components (A) and (B): (A) at least one pyrazine selected from 2-methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine and 3,5-dimethyl-2-methylpyrazine, and (B) at least one guaiacol selected from guaiacol, 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-vinylguaiacol. A content weight ratio [(B)/(A)] of the component (B) to the component (A) is 0.6 or smaller.

Abstract: A chocolate confectionery and a method for manufacturing same chocolate confectionery where the chocolate confectionery has multiple pearls of flavor distributed evenly throughout a base chocolate wafer such that the flavor and consistency of the chocolate confectionery is consistent throughout. In one form of the chocolate confectionery, small pearls of flavor are suspended within the chocolate creating a pleasing flavor balance and mouth feel with overall lower sugar content and higher cocoa content.

Abstract: A batch-freezer machine for producing ice-cream. The machine includes a cylindrical-shaped processing tank and a rotating mixing member housed in an axially rotatable manner inside the processing tank, and structured so as to be able to blend/mix the semi-solid mixture that forms inside the processing tank. The mixing member is provided with a centrifugal impeller which is arranged to directly face the inner face of the hatch, and is structured so as to be able to push/eject the semi-solid mixture located at the center of the opening of the processing tank towards the internal cylindrical lateral surface of the processing tank, when the mixing member rotates inside the processing tank.

Abstract: A process for producing a frozen confectionery product is provided, the process comprising: preparing a mix containing a gelling agent and having a total solids content of from 20 to 45 wt %; filling the mix into a mold and allowing the gelling agent to form a gel in the mold; freezing the gelled mix to form a product having a first form; removing the shaped product from the mold; and deforming the product while it is in the frozen state so that it takes up a second form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alcohol containing bulk frozen dessert product that is formed by adding an alcohol containing composition to a frozen dessert product premix after the premix has been pasteurized. The alcohol containing composition is comprised of an alcohol, a water based mixer, and a stabilizer and/or emulsifier. The alcohol containing bulk frozen dessert product may have an alcohol content from about 2% to about 18% and will be able to be stored and consumed at temperatures for traditional bulk frozen dessert products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of creating semi-moist pet food, and primarily dog food and dog treats, that is formed into a given shape through cooking the ingredients of the mixture contained in the dog food in an extruder and thereafter immediately transforming the mixture to a forming machine wherein the pet food is formed into a multiplicity of given shapes so that the dog food is produced as a final formed dog food or dog treat in an economically viable process. The given shape of the dog food is semi-moist and will retain its shape so that it can be broken into smaller pieces to be fed to a dog at selected times.

Abstract: The invention discloses a technical process to prepare a self-reinforced starch composite used to produce capsules. This composite is made by uniformly mixing the matrix phase and the particulate reinforced phase at a proper proportion, the former being one or a combination of the starches selected from the group consisting of oxidized starch, cationic starch and esterified starch; and the latter, cross-linked starch or starch nanocrystals. This composite is processed into the forms of granules, films, or sheets by extrusion method and these different forms of the composite can be used to replace the gelatin as the raw material of capsules because its barrier property, processability, and mechanical properties are significantly improved.

Abstract: A shelf stable fried product and a process for creating a shelf stable fried product is disclosed. Aspects include a process for managing fat migration, moisture migration, and cell degrading of a food product during frying. Aspects further include a resulting shelf stable food product that includes a crispy and/or crunchy texture and a desirable fat distribution.

Abstract: An inducer of T cell apoptosis and a health food for inducing T cell apoptosis comprising as an active ingredient of a lactic acid bacterium belonging to the genus Lactobacillus or the genus Bifidobacterium are disclosed. Particularly preferred lactic acid bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus or the genus Bifidobacterium are Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 (FERM BP-4981), Lactobacillus amylovorus CP1750 (FERM BP-10532), Bifidobacterium catenulatum CP2829 (FERM BP-10533) and Bifidobacterium longum CP760 (FERM BP-10531). The inducer of T cell apoptosis of the invention is useful in the prevention and cure of a disease such as an organ-specific autoimmune disease or type I allergy.

Abstract: A carbonation apparatus includes a pressure vessel includes a cap that has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The carbonation device also includes a seal. The seal includes a labyrinth preventing contact of a liquid within the pressure vessel with the cap during a carbonation process. A locking mechanism removably locks the cap and seal and antifoam device relative to the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a synergetic mixture of flavorings or flavoring substances and organic acids. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of said composition as a preservative for animal foodstuffs and additives intended preferably for monogastric animals.

Abstract: Methods for producing dissolving grade pulp and microcrystalline cellulose from tobacco are provided. The methods include chemical pulping a tobacco input to form a tobacco pulp. Chemical pulping the tobacco input includes combining the tobacco input with a strong base defining a weight from about 5% to about 50% of the tobacco input, and heating the tobacco input and the strong base with an H-factor from about 500 to about 3,300. Further, the methods include bleaching the tobacco pulp to produce a dissolving grade pulp. Bleaching the tobacco pulp may include chlorination of the tobacco pulp with a chlorine dioxide solution, and caustic extraction of the tobacco pulp with a second strong base. A related tobacco-derived microcrystalline cellulose product is also provided, which can be used as a binder, a filler, and/or a texturizer in a tobacco product, such as a smokeless tobacco product.

Abstract: A mouthpiece lining paper of a filter cigarette, which mouthpiece lining paper is provided on surface regions to be adhesively bonded with a three-dimensional surface structure, that is to say with a surface which has elevations and/or depressions, wherein the elevations and depressions protrude from and are set back from the film/foil surface only locally, respectively. The mouthpiece lining paper is a film/foil. In one preferred embodiment, a row of elevations and/or depressions runs along an edge of the mouthpiece lining paper of the type which runs along the overlap region of the mouthpiece lining paper with itself on the finished cigarette.

Abstract: A smoking device includes a recipient or able to receive burning products, preferably tobacco, and a filter element connected to the recipient, wherein the filter includes at least one breakable capsule, the capsule having a initial crush strength from 0.5 to 2.5 kp, and keeping a crush strength from 0.5 to 2.5 kp and a deformation of less than two third of its diameter prior to rupture after having been submitted to a smoking test. The invention is also relating to the capsule suitable for being incorporated in a smoking device, and to the process of manufacture of the capsule.

Abstract: A smoking and drinking apparatus includes a body member defining an air chamber. A drink reservoir is situated in the air chamber defining a liquid impermeable drink chamber. The drink reservoir is inwardly displaced from the body member to form an air chamber therebetween. A bezel is mounted to the upper edge of the body member that defines a bore in communication with the inner reservoir. The bezel includes an inhalation port through which air is selectively inhaled from the air chamber and an exhalation port through which air is selectively exhaled by a user into the air chamber. The inhalation port is configured to receive a cigarette into the air chamber. A lighting element is positioned in the air chamber for lighting the cigarette when energized. A filter and fan assembly are positioned in the air chamber to filter and exhaust air from the air chamber.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly. An external thread electrode is located in one end of battery assembly. An internal thread electrode is located in one end of atomizer assembly. The battery assembly and the atomizer assembly are connected by the screwthread electrode. The cigarette bottle assembly is inserted into the other end of the atomizer assembly and both form a cigarette type or cigar type body.

Abstract: An illuminated nipple cover that directs light to a skin contact member, which may be translucent or clear. The skin contact member is covered with an opaque cover so the skin contact member is illuminated, and the opaque cover blocks light from being seen from the skin contact member.

Abstract: A sweatshirt having a smoking apparatus as part of the sweatshirt, allowing users to smoke out of the sweatshirt comprises a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves and an elongated cord for tightening the sweatshirt hood around the users head and neck. A hollow tube is positioned inside of the elongated cord. The elongated tube has a first end and a second end with the first end having a mouthpiece, and the second end having a smoking bowl piece for retaining smoking material.

Abstract: Physical treatment garment for aiding in treatment and healing of injured or strained muscles. Garment is made of flexible material that can be pulled up around the waist, such as compression shorts or full length tights or leggings, and the garment has one or more pockets in the thigh and/or hamstring area to hold cold packs or heat packs and have a fastener apparatus at the top. The garment has fastening apparatuses on or about the hip area and on or about just above the knee. Using a flexible or compression wrap with the compatible fastening apparatuses, the compression wrap is wrapped around the leg and/or groin area and secured using the fastening apparatuses. Pockets for ice or heat treatment are similarly located in the front or rear of the tights or leggings with fastening connections to hold ice or heat packs for treatment of the applicable injury.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cooling garment including a garment material configured to be worn on a user's upper body. The garment material includes an outer surface with gel-filled chambers, an inner surface, and a hole therethrough. The garment material is configured to compress against the user's body when worn so that protrusions extending from the inner surface contact the user's body and define air channels between the protrusions, the inner surface, and the user's body. The cooling garment also includes a fixing ring coupled to the garment material around the hole, and a suction device configured to be coupled to the fixing ring, wherein the suction device is configured to circulate air through the air channels.

Abstract: Protective devices that are substantially simultaneously used as adjustable weighted resistance training devices are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved, adjustably weighted protective shin guards that can extend to integrate instep protection.

Abstract: The present invention is a pre-shaped article of clothing formed with an inner and/or outer layer and an intermediate layer secured to the inner or outer layer, wherein the intermediate layer includes an adhesive positioned thereon in a non- or discontinuous manner to secure the intermediate layer to the inner or outer layer. The adhesive is heat-activated to form bonds between the inner and/or outer layer and the intermediate layer without any application of compressive forces to the layers when forming the glove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove structure 10 comprising a glove 11 and at least one protective element 12, 14, 16, 16A, 16B, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C suitable for being applied on the dorsal portion 11A of at least one phalanx area of at least one finger portion I, II, III, IV, V of the glove 11. According to the invention said at least one protective element 12, 14, 16, 16A, 16B, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C is made of rigid material and is shaped so as to cover the dorsal portion 11A and the side portions 11C and to leave uncovered the palmar portion 11B of said at least one phalanx area. Said at least one protective element 12, 14, 16, 16A, 16B, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C is adapted to transmit along a path surrounding said at least one phalanx area compression forces acting on said at least one phalanx area. According to the invention, the glove structure 10 comprises at least one patch 21A, 21B, 21C made of microfiber material.

Abstract: Accessories use fasteners and fashionable pieces to supplement clothing, such as pants or shirts, as well as other articles of apparel, such as footwear or hats. The fasteners connect to such apparel using either magnets or clips. Then the fashionable pieces connect to the fasteners using non-permanent adhesives, allowing the fashionable pieces to be easily attached or removed from the apparel. This can allow a single article of apparel to have many different looks depending on how many different fashionable pieces are owned and used with the apparel.

Abstract: Suspender devices for maintaining in place a shirt or other upper garment for a wearer. The suspender devices having an elongated strap member with an upper end having fastener members thereon for attachment to a shirt or other upper garment, and with a lower end having a foot loop for being positioned around the wearer's foot or footwear.

Abstract: A unique human or synthetic fiber hair extension and method are disclosed. One embodiment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions come packaged with double sided tape attached to both sides of the hair extension, with the weft and human or synthetic fiber hair attached between the two pieces of tape. The double sided tape is covered with a tape cover or liner on both sides of the extensions. First, the human or synthetic fiber hair extension is positioned for correct placement below the horizontal part line, the liner is removed form the bottom side of the hair extension and the human or synthetic fiber hair extension is secured by pressing into place. The second piece of double sided tape which is attached to the second side of the human or synthetic fiber hair extension and facing up has the liner removed and is then covered with a layer of the users's natural hair, which taken from the clipped area above the part.

Abstract: An impact awareness device (IAD) may include an impact switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first direction and exceeds a force threshold. The IAD may further include a headliner configured to couple with a protective headgear. The headliner may include a flexible band comprising one or more substrates configured to conform to a headband of the protective headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an indication signal to provide an indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column injuries when the indicator signal is received.

Abstract: A shoe or other footwear which includes a sole section and a bottom sole that includes at least a portion of rubber material. The sole section includes at least two inner bladders each of which contains a fluid, and at least a part thereof is located in a single frontal plane cross-section of the sole. The sole section also includes a duct and/or valve providing fluid communication between the inner bladders, an electronic control system including a microprocessor that controls the fluid communication and an outer bladder. The inner bladders are inside the outer bladder and separated from the outer bladder at least in part by an internal sipe formed by a portion of an inner surface of said outer bladder and a portion of an outer surface of each of said inner bladders. The surface portions of the sipe oppose each other and can slide relative to each other.

Abstract: A cap hearing protection system that includes a cap; a band secured within an interior of the cap; first and second rotating arms positioned on either side of the cap and pivotally connected to the band; and a respective hearing protection means mounted to each of the rotating arms.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is connected to the sole structure. The upper includes a flat knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The flat knitted component includes a trim region that defines a trimmed outer edge of the flat knitted component. The trimmed outer edge is disposed proximate to the sole structure. The trimmed outer edge defines a first dimension of the flat knitted component that corresponds to a first foot size. The trim region further defines a trim line that is spaced from the trimmed outer edge in an inboard direction on the flat knitted component. The trim line defines a second dimension of the flat knitted component that corresponds to a second foot size.

Abstract: A shoe, or shoe sole, with integral storage chamber is claimed. The invention may comprise a carriage that is in sliding engagement with the sole of a shoe, wherein the carriage further comprises a storage chamber for storing personal objects. The sliding engagement of the invention may comprise tongue and groove complementary surfaces. The carriage containing the storage chamber may translate in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the shoe and may be further retained onto the shoe by use of a retaining pin located on the shoe sole that is engaged in a press fit with retaining pin receiving recess on the carriage such that the carriage is securely retained in a closed position. A user may safely store objects in the storage chamber without detection and may access the objects quickly if needed. The invention may further comprise a mirror and closable heel storage chamber.

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 the upper of an athletic shoe. The heat moldable material may be sufficiently flexible so as not to impede the necessary movements of a wearer or the athletic shoe while performing activities, such as running, walking, jumping, etc. 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: The present invention relates to shoe, in particular a sports shoe. The shoe includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area a plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free end not connected with the sole plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber with a tensile element includes manufacturing a tensile element and incorporating the tensile element into a chamber. A first material layer, a second material layer, and a spacing structure having a plurality of support portions and a plurality of gaps may be stacked. The material layers may be located on either side of the spacing structure or on one side of the spacing structure. A strand may be stitched through the gaps to join the material layers and to form the tensile element. The spacing structure may be removed, and the first material layer may be spaced from the second material layer such that segments of the strand extend between the material layers. The tensile element may then be secured to opposite interior surfaces of an outer barrier, and the outer barrier may be pressurized to place the strand in tension.

Abstract: A shoe heel shock absorber comprising a lower pedestal with a penetrating hole that penetrates through from a top surface to a bottom surface of the lower pedestal; a step edge is formed on an inner surface of the penetrating hole in the top surface of the lower pedestal; an air-cushion is fixed on the to surface of the lower pedestal, which comprises a straight hole and several second positioning holes which are through the air-cushion, and the second positioning holes correspond to the first positioning holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A ski boot buckle for closing the shell of a ski boot includes a toothed plate for mounting on a first flap of the shell of the ski boot. The ski boot buckle also includes a lever system for mounting on another flap of the shell of the ski boot. In the lever system, a fastener is connected in a pivoting arrangement to an operating lever, and the operating lever is accommodated in a pivoting arrangement in a lever retainer. At least one spring element is additionally provided in the lever system for transferring the operating lever into a closed position. Another spring element is provided on the operating lever and can hold the operating lever and the ski boot buckle in the open position.

Abstract: The device relates to a system for predicting the period for children to safely wear newly acquired footwear without the risk of damage to their growing feet, which is directly applicable in shoe shops (at their computer cash registers). The essence of the solution for a system for predicting the period for children to safely wear newly acquired footwear rests in the fact that it contains an input module measuring foot length and input of information about the age of the monitored child to which is linked a model for predicting the growth of the child's foot by applying the laws of growth, possibly also including genetic and local influences, connected to a comparative and inferential module establishing the predicted course of growth in foot length of the monitored child, to which is then linked an output module designating the nearest date for the necessary replacement of shoe size for the monitored child.

Abstract: A method for forming a double-sided loop strap includes: receiving a continuous longitudinal strip of loop material including a strip-form base bearing a field of upstanding loops on a fastening side of the strip bounded by opposite longitudinal edges, folding each of the longitudinal edges away from the fastening side, such that the base overlaps itself, and securing the folded edges in place by permanently bonding together overlapped areas of the base to form the double-sided loop strap.

Abstract: Prior load tie-down strap devices containing a Velcro brand hook and loop connector can loosen or peel apart under load. The invention provides an adjustable loop load tie-down strap having a hook and loop (Velcro brand hook and loop connector material) connection within a permanent eye at one end of the strap wherein a standing part of the same strap passes through the eye to form a tie-down loop in the strap that can be adjusted to a larger or smaller size by disconnecting and reconnecting the hook and loop connection within the eye to make the loop the desired size to fit around the article that is to be secured.

Abstract: An incorporated slide fastener that is incorporated simultaneously with the weaving of the fastener tape for a zigzag-type continuous element. The weft yarn of the fastener tape is woven with one thread traversing and doubling back in the tape width direction, forming a set of two threads. Fastener elements have: engaging heads; first and second leg portions that each extend in the width direction of the tape; first connecting portions that connect first legs that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the tape; and second connecting parts that connect second legs that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Of the two yarns configuring the weft yarn, one yarn is woven diagonally straddling the first surface of a first leg and the second surface of a second leg of adjacent fastener elements.

Abstract: A tape for derlin zipper comprises a plurality of warp yarns and a plurality of weft yarns interwoven with the warp yarns, the weft yarns are divided into a plurality of groups of weft yarns. The tape for derlin zipper includes two groups of clamping warp yarns, each group of clamping warp yarns includes a first clamping warp yarn and at least one second clamping warp yarn. The first clamping warp yarn and the second clamping warp yarn wriggle along a length of the tape to exchange positions with each other, and to form a plurality of clamping spaces. Each group of weft yarns passes through the clamping space with the first clamping warp yarns locate upon the group of weft yarns and the second clamping warp yarns locate under the group of weft yarns. A hollow area is formed between each two neighboring groups of weft yarns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a string length adjusting device, which includes a fixed housing including a drum rotation shaft formed in a central region thereof; a rotation housing rotatably coupled with respect to the fixed housing; a winding drum inserted into the fixed housing and the rotation housing and including a winding part around/from which a string is wound or unwound; and a coupling unit guide shaft coupling the fixed housing to the rotation housing, the coupling unit guide shaft guiding up/down operations of the rotation housing for operations of winding or unwinding the string.

Abstract: A magnetic badge attachment device removably attaches badges to clothing. The device includes a cover having a back face, a front face, and an open end. The front face of the cover is transparent. A cover magnet is coupled to the back face of the cover. A backing magnet is engageable to the cover magnet wherein the backing magnet is configured for securing a garment between the cover magnet and the backing magnet such that the front face of the cover is attached to and visible on the garment.

Abstract: A jewelry article having an elongated strand with a first section and a second section, a small-hole bead assembly, and a small-hole bead. The small-hole bead assembly includes a first mount, a second mount and a connecting bar. The small-hole bead assembly being positioned on the elongated strand between the first section and the second section with the small-hole bead being positioned on the connecting bar between the first mount and the second mount of the small-hole bead assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable umbrella has an inflatable covering made from a flexible material. In an inflated state, said covering forms at least the following elements: a central holding element, at least three umbrella strut elements extending away from the central holding element, and at least one umbrella surface element stretched out by the umbrella strut elements. In this case, the central holding element and each umbrella strut element are supported against each other at the respective contact point thereof. In the inflated state, the umbrella has greater stability and resistance to external forces in comparison to previously known inflatable umbrellas.

Abstract: A shovel with an attachable umbrella including a shovel having a blade attached to a cylindrical handle, an aperture continuously disposed within the handle of the shovel from a threaded top end to proximal a bottom end, an umbrella, and a cap removably attached to the umbrella. The umbrella has a shaft, a canopy, and a hollow cylindrical base. The top end of the handle selectively threadably engages an interior surface of the base proximal a top surface of the base. The top end of the handle selectively threadably engages the interior surface of the base proximal the bottom surface of the base.