Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a nonalcoholic beverage by fermentation, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a providing a macerated cereal extract, (b) producing a wort from the cereal extract, (c) treating the wort from step (b) with Lactobacillus microorganisms in order to obtain a sour wort, (d) mixing the sour wort from step (c) with a liquid containing sugar and treating the mixture with Lactobacillus microorganisms in order to obtain a fermented beverage, (e) heating the fermented beverage obtained from step (d) and then cooling said fermented beverage, (f) mixing the beverage, and (g) performing further treatment steps for stabilizing, clarifying, and completing the beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the treatment by a pulsed electric field of a product intended to circulate through this device, comprising first and second electrodes (4, 6) forming parallel plates between which a treatment zone (2), is defined, and also comprising a pulse generator (22) electrically connected to at least said first electrode (4) so as to be able to apply a pulsed electric field in the treatment zone (2), the device also comprising a product inlet conduit (26) into the treatment zone and a product outlet conduit (30). According to the invention, the first electrode (4) is electrically connected to the pulse generator (22) through either of the two conduits (26, 30), arranged in contact with this first electrode.

Abstract: An antimicrobial application system is disclosed, comprising an antimicrobial application unit and a recycle unit. An initial, dilute antimicrobial composition is prepared. The composition is provided to the antimicrobial application unit and applied to workpieces, such as raw poultry. After application to the workpieces, the composition is returned to the recycle tank. The concentration of the antimicrobial in the recycle tank is monitored, and additional antimicrobial is automatically added if the concentration of the antimicrobial in the composition falls below a desired amount. The composition is periodically diverted to a capture tank, and the antimicrobial is selectively removed from the composition. The removed antimicrobial and remaining composition are then disposed of in appropriate manners. The antimicrobial is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound, is more preferably an alkylpyridinium chloride, and is most preferably cetylpyridinium chloride.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to provide a washing and cleaning system for vegetables in a restaurant environment includes a stationary lower frame having a plurality of cylindrical scrub brushes, and an operable and manually movable upper brushing assembly. Vegetables progress between the upper and lower brushes resulting in the removal of dirt and debris.

Abstract: A web-enabled standalone application may, in selected implementations, prevent received license-controlled image data from unauthorized re-use, editing, or distribution, and permits image processing, such as applying the International Color Consortium's color correction process, at the local control device. The web-enabled standalone application may further generate a printer specific byte stream based on post-image processed data, providing a color managed workflow independent of local control device operating system print drivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming filled rolls such as sushi and California rolls. The apparatus contains two rollers connected by a gearing mechanism to aid in creating rolls quickly. The rolls are formed on a continuous mat wrapped around the rollers. The driving roller may be mounted in an adjustable slot to allow the user to make different sized rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and packaging molded tobacco pieces includes a mold having cavities oriented to allow ejection of molded tobacco pieces into a container. The apparatus also includes a knockout for ejecting the molded tobacco pieces, and a cutter having at least two blades for cutting the molded tobacco pieces into vertically aligned slices by passing one or more blades horizontally through the cavities.

Abstract: Provided is an oral pouch flavor product with a fibrous flavored wrapper that encloses an inner filling material. Preferably, the fibrous flavored wrapper includes embedded flavorants. The fibrous flavored wrapper may also include a softening agent, colorants, and/or browning inhibitors. The inner material may include non-tobacco, plant material fibers and preferably has a low moisture content so as to prevent the need for preservatives or refrigeration.

Abstract: A method of modifying the moisture content of fuel elements used in making smoking articles. The method may include overwrapped fuel elements, smoking article components, and/or assembled smoking articles being subjected to drying by flowed ambient air. Unheated air is flowed over the fuel components to adjust and maintain a desired moisture content of the fuel components to a level that permits cutting of the fuel components without chipping or cracking. After the fuel components are cut into individual or two-up fuel elements and combined with smoking article components that may include up to an entire filtered or unfiltered smoking article, they may have more ambient air flowed over them to further reduce the moisture content to a desired level.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including a cigarette holder assembly, an atomization assembly, a glass container for accommodating smoke oil, and a gas flow regulator. The cigarette holder assembly includes a mouthpiece, a first sealing ring, a seat for supporting the mouthpiece, a fixed screw, and a pole. The atomization assembly includes a pair of heating wires, a glass casing, a second sealing ring, a third sealing ring, oil-guiding cotton, a limit cover, an insulating ring, and a fixed ring. The glass container includes a first sealing gasket and a second sealing gasket which are respectively disposed at both ends of the glass container. The gas flow regulator includes a control ring, a steel ball, a spring, and a rotary button. The first sealing ring of the cigarette holder assembly is sleeved on the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece is fixed on the seat via the fixed screw.

Abstract: An article of clothing is coated or impregnated with a coating that contains thermochromic pigment. The pigment is constructed to change color when wet with water, and/or to provide a hyperthermic warning when a person wearing the clothing is over-warm.

Abstract: A therapeutic medical garment having a variable pressure profile along its length, and including a knitted tubular body and a knitted anti-slip portion formed proximate one end of the tubular body with an inner surface adapted for residing against a wearer's skin. The knitted anti-slip portion includes at least first, second and third yarns simultaneously knitted to form a repeat having a raised surface texture on the inner surface of the anti-slip portion. One of the first, second and third yarns is a low-friction yarn, and two of the first, second and third yarns are high-friction yarns knitted to reside on and form the raised surface texture on the inner face of the anti-slip portion. A fabric construction and a method of forming a fabric construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Different molding materials and methods are provided for producing a sport bra having moisture-transporting molded bra cups. The different molding materials comprise foams having different average cell sizes, fibers having different average deniers per filament, injection-molding materials having different degrees of hydrophilicity, and different hydrophilic treatments. The molding materials are arranged to create a hydrophilic gradient from a skin surface of the wearer of the sport bra to the exterior of the sport bra.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backless and optionally strapless brassiere comprising two textile layers (7, 8), as well as chest underwiring (20) and cup reinforcements (30). The torso underwiring (20) comprises a substantially horizontal main bottom portion (21) which is coupled, at the sides of the torso, to two substantially horizontal top side portions (22). Each reinforcement (30) is a thin plate of rigid material including extensions (33-36) extending from a side region (31) arranged substantially outside each cup and engaging with the top side portion (22) of the underwiring.

Abstract: A nursing device generally includes a strap having a first end and a second end. The first end may be permanently attached to a nursing garment and the second end provided with means for being removably attached to the nursing garment. The strap may thus be wrapped at least partially about a portion of the outer garment and retain it in a position that facilitates nursing.

Abstract: A garment may be formed from a stretchable material. Various portions of the garment may contain imprinted ink. Elasticity of the garment fabric is reduced in the regions onto which the ink has been printed, thereby providing a support and/or a feeling of support to certain muscles and/or muscle groups.

Abstract: An article of clothing including a protective cup for protecting the groin area of a user. The article includes an upper portion having a front and a rear, and an interior and an exterior, for receiving the waist of the user. A cup sleeve having an apical portion is disposed in the interior of the upper portion while partially secured to the front of the upper portion with the apical portion extending free from the front of the upper portion. A securing member optionally extends from the apical portion to the rear of the upper portion.

Abstract: A protective shield for protecting a user's hands or feet from harmful ultraviolet rays when a coating composition applied to the user's fingernails or toenails during a manicure or pedicure is cured by an ultraviolet curing system. The protective shield includes a thin elastomeric or polymeric sheet of material impregnated with an ultraviolet blocking composition. The protective shield is provided with five or more slits, allowing the ends of the user's digits to be inserted through separate slits, ensuring that only the user's fingernails or toenails would be subjected to the ultraviolet rays produced by the ultraviolet curing system, while protecting the user's hands or feet from the ultraviolet rays. The protective shield is designed to cover a user's hand or foot while allowing the user's fingernails or toenails to protrude from separate slits provided near the end of the shield, while the slits rest firmly under the cuticles of the user's fingernails or toenails.

Abstract: A glove for meat preparation. A variety of cutting elements are attached to the glove's thumb and fingers and allow the user to cut, care, shred slice or trim hot meat. The glove allows the user to handle the meat and also protects the user's hand from the meat's high temperature after cooking, broiling grilling or smoking.

Abstract: A linked waist support for a waist belt is provided. The waist belt is formed by two strip-like woven fabrics which are connected by a fastening strap, and includes a first end link unit and a second link unit at two ends thereof. The linked waist support is disposed between and partially overlapped by the first end link unit and the second end link unit. The linked waist support comprises a base plate, a first side link unit disposed on the base plate and correspondingly linked to the first end link unit via a first linking cable, and a second side link unit disposed adjacently to the first side link unit on the base plate and correspondingly linked to the second end link unit via a second linking cable. Thus, without unfastening the waist belt, tightening force of the waist belt can be adjusted and changed with ease.

Abstract: This invention is a method for automating the generation of manufacturing patterns for apparel and accessories directly from designs created on a 3-dimensional (3D) model. This differs from existing models in which users design “2D slices” of a 3D image created at various pre-defined angles. This invention includes the steps of: 1) Making the UV map of the 3D model exactly match the manufacturing pattern in shape and scale; 2) Positioning the various components in the UV map to facilitate the desired image or text flow; and 3) Using a UV unwrap method to produce the manufacturing patterns with the exact art and text on each component. Images and text are thereby allowed to span across seams and be accurately manufactured. Automation of this process ensures that the images and text on the manufacturing patterns are the exact same as that which the user designed.

Abstract: A chin guard assembly that includes a shell having an outer and inner surface, an outer peripheral edge extending around the shell, and a first and second end. The first and second ends each having at least one slot configured to receive a strap with each strap extending through the at least one slot and outwardly from each end, wherein one strap is fixed to the shell at the first end and one strap is fixed to the shell at the second end.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet having first and second shells and a single actuator comprising at least one tooth, the single actuator being moveable between: a first locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a first hollow space; a released position, wherein the at least one tooth no longer retains the first and second shells such that one of the first and second shells is moveable relative to the other of the first and second shells; and a second locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a second hollow space, the second hollow space being different than the first hollow space.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: A foot trainer having a generally planar footbed. A heel recess is formed in the footbed. The heel recess is positioned proximate a proximal end of the footbed. A generally longitudinal groove is formed in the footbed. The longitudinal groove extends generally along at least a portion of a lateral edge of the footbed. A transverse arch extends from the footbed medially from the longitudinal groove. The transverse arch is positioned to be disposed proximally relative to a ball of a user's foot.

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 fluid-filled chamber may be incorporated into footwear and other products. The chamber is formed from a polymer material that defines a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a sidewall surface extending around a periphery of the chamber and between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of bonds are spaced inward from the sidewall surface and join the first surface and the second surface. The bonds may be distributed to form a regularly-spaced array, such as a hexagonal array. The first surface and the second surface may define elliptically-shaped structures between the bonds. The bonds may be formed to have a slope that is an average of slopes of the first surface and the second surface in areas proximal the bonds.

Abstract: A heel stabilizer for use with human footwear that reduces or eliminates upward movement of the heel within footwear is disclosed herein. The heel stabilizer preferably includes two gripping portions or parts that grip the heel on the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot, preferably above the widest part of the heel. The heel stabilizer may be integrated directly into footwear. Alternatively, the heel stabilizer may be a separate insert that can be inserted into footwear.

Abstract: Various user configurable belt buckles are provided. A user configurable belt buckle includes a user configurable frame that, in turn, includes four side members. The user configurable belt buckle further includes a prong, secured to the user configurable frame, for protruding through a hole in a belt. The user configurable belt buckle also includes one or more user-controllable attachment devices for providing side member substitution. At least one side member of the four side members is user replaceable by a substitute side member having at least one different physical characteristic than the at least one side member.

Abstract: A fixturing apparatus that includes a housing defining an interior space and having a trapezoidal cross-section, a first end, and an opposing second end, and is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough from the first end to said second end.

Abstract: A bracelet includes a first wristband portion having a first connecting end and a first lock end opposite to the first connecting end, a second wristband portion having a second connecting end and a second lock end opposite to the second connecting end, and a lock mechanism. The seconded connecting end is rotatably connected to the first connecting end. The first lock end is connected to the second lock end, thereby locking the first wristband portion and the second wristband portion together to surrounding a receiving space for receiving a user's wrist.

Abstract: The article carrier includes a removable wristband having a normally closed clasp installed along one side thereof. The wristband is secured about the lower forearm and wrist of the user immediately above the hand, and may be secured using any of a number of different fastener configurations. The clasp is pivotally attached to the wristband by a lateral pin, and a coil spring is installed on the pin to bias the clasp to a normally closed position. A mechanical latch may be installed to provide positive closure for the clasp. The clasp has a width and length substantially equal to the diameter and length of the wristband.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly system including first and second parts each including a blind recess and at least one third part including a through hole. According to the invention, the assembly system further includes a permanent securing device including a pin mounted in the through hole of the at least one third part, the pin including, at a first end, a first means of locking one of the first and second parts in its blind recess, and a socket whose external wall includes a second means of locking the other of the first and second parts in its blind recess, and whose internal wall is welded to the second end of the pin in order to join the first, second and at least one third parts to each other with no plastic deformation of the first and second parts.

Abstract: The replacement bottle cap according has a circular lid. An annular skirt extends downward from the lid to provide an opening for receipt of a threaded neck of a bottle. The skirt has internal threads to engage corresponding threads on an external portion of the neck of a bottle. The lid is permeable to a magnetic field. A magnet is located in the cylindrical opening adjacent the lid. A decorative object extends upwardly from the lid. A decorative object is attracted to the magnet so the object is securely held to the lid. The decorative object is detachable from the lid by pulling on the object sufficiently to overcome the force exerted by the magnet on the object. At least a first connector extends from the outside of the skirt for receipt of a mating connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decorative part (1, 3, 5) including several stones (2) and a device (7, 7?, 47, 47?) for securing the stones (2) in relation to each other. According to the invention, the securing device (7, 7?, 47, 47?) includes a single electrodeposited base (9, 9?, 49, 49?) whose shape matches one part of the stones, thus allowing all the stones (2) to be attached in relation to each other without any stress, and the girdles (6) of the stones (2) are mounted edge-to-edge in relation to each other so that the single base is concealed. The invention also relates to the method for manufacturing a part (1, 3, 5) of this type.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella for electrical appliances includes a supporting frame, an awning frame, and an electro-control panel. The awning frame includes a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by the supporting frame for supporting the electrical appliances in position, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from the functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the awning. The electro-control panel includes a control circuitry and a control device. The control circuitry has an input terminal adapted for electrically connecting to a power source, and a plurality of control terminals for selectively connecting to the electrical appliances respectively. The control device is electrically connected to the control circuitry for selectively controlling each of the electrical appliances in an on-and-off manner.

Abstract: The walking aid with deterrent spray is constructed of a walking cane that includes a deterrent spray member integrated onto a distal end. The deterrent spray member includes a shield that opens to prevent a deterrent spray from reaching an end user. The shield is collapsible when not in use. The walking cane includes a spray nozzle on a distal end, which disperses the deterrent spray in order to temporarily incapacitate a feral animal. The spray nozzle is connected to a replaceable canister that is positioned within the walking cane. A trigger is provided on a handle portion of the walking cane. The trigger is in mechanical connection with the replaceable canister in order to dispense the deterrent spray via the spray nozzle. The shield is actuated via a plurality of extension rods that translate and pivot via a locking collar.

Abstract: A walker standing assist device for aiding the user of a walker or a wheeled mobility device to stand or arise from a seated position. Most walkers have their hand grips that are too high for normal users to utilize in the standing process. The users hands are directed to an area that locates their position to the walker's support frame members and thus within the center of gravity of the walker. The walker standing assist device generally includes a hand platform disk that is rotatable and pivotable to the users changing hand position in the arising or standing process.

Abstract: A portable closet (10) with an interior (26) that can be used as a separable tote bag is disclosed. The portable closet is a clamshell-type piece of luggage with wheels (18) and an extendable and retractable handle (68). The interior of the piece of luggage includes at least one fold-down shelf (28, 30), and may include several fold-down shelves, as well as conventional pockets and closable compartments. The interior is connected to the piece of luggage such that it can be removed, folded, and configured as a tote bag. While connected, the interior may be moved aside to permit access to an undivided additional storage compartment behind or beneath it.

Abstract: A portable electronic device equipped with a protective cover is provided. The portable electronic device includes a protective cover that is equipped with a reflector having a light reflection characteristic, a proximity sensor that is equipped with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and that is configured to generate a sensing signal based on an amount of light that the light receiving unit receives in response to light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a controller that is provided with the sensing signal generated from the proximity sensor and that is configured to determine whether the protective cover is open or closed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bag with an anti-theft function which is used to temporarily store various valuables (a wallet, a cellular phone, a camera, a watch, etc.) or clothes in a crowded place, for example, a water play area such as a beach or a water park, and is configured such that the stored valuables or the bag itself can be prevented from being stolen. The bag according to the present invention includes an anti-theft device which fastens first and second zippers that openably close an opening of the bag body to each other and binds the bag body to a surrounding structure, whereby valuables (a wallet, a cellular phone, a camera, a watch, etc.) stored in the bag body not only can be prevented from being stolen but the bag itself can also be prevented from being stolen because it is bound to the surrounding structure.

Abstract: A supported composite tool pack according to aspects of the disclosure includes a concave plastic base coupled to a durable fabric body. A substantially rigid support panel divides the interior of the pack and supports the fabric body and contents of the pack with respect to the base. The pack includes a pair of backpack straps permitting the pack to be worn on the back of a user, while keeping both hands free for opening doors, hatches or scaling ladders. The fabric body defines a plurality of organizational structures inside the pack, including but not limited to closed and open pockets, rings and clips for the placement of tools, spare parts and other equipment. The base and support panel maintain the pack and its contents in an upright and accessible position when open or closed, giving the user a stable, protected work platform no matter the environment.

Abstract: An electro-heating hair curling apparatus includes a casing, a tube-shaped member, a rotatable assembly, a motor, a peripheral member, a first electro-heating device, a second electro-heating device and a control unit. The casing includes a handle part and a hair-accommodating part. The tube-shaped member and the peripheral member are disposed in the hair-accommodating part. When a length of hair passes through a breach of the hair-accommodating part to dispose in a space between the tube-shaped member and the peripheral member, the control unit selectively controls the motor to drive the rotatable assembly to engage the hair on the tube-shaped member and further to rotate and wind the hair around and onto the tube-shaped member. The control unit also controls the first electro-heating device and the second electro-heating device to heat and thus style the hair wound around the tube-shaped member.

Abstract: A compact having a protrusible and retractable puff includes a lower case having a spring seated therein, an upper case having a seating section and a guide section which extend downward through a central portion, a puff assembly fitted into the seating section and having a puff member fixed to a lower portion, a lift fitted into the guide section, and an inner dish positioned on top of the lift. The lift positioned inside the guide section and pressed downward is subjected to upward repulsive force from the spring positioned under the lift. The puff assembly is coupled to and separated from the upper case. When the puff assembly is separated from the upper case, the lift including the inner dish moves upwards in response to the repulsive force of the spring, causing the puff assembly including the puff member to protrude upwards from the upper case.

Abstract: It is provided a nozzle (10) for applying a powder, particularly a pulverized hair treatment product, particularly preferred a cosmetic and/or dermatological product, comprising a cap (12) for being connected to a squeezable container for storing the powder, an outlet conduit (14) protruding from the cap (12) along an axial direction (16) for dispensing the powder through the cap (12). According to the invention a mesh (28) covering the outlet conduit (14) for retaining the powder and for pulverizing powder agglomerates is provided, wherein the mesh (28) comprises in a region covering the outlet conduit passages, and the outlet conduit (14) comprises an inner surface (22) for guiding the powder, wherein the inner surface (22) is inclined with respect to the axial direction (16) of the outlet conduit (14) by an angle ? of 0.0°<?<15.0°, particularly 1.0°<?<12.5°, preferably 1.5°<?<8.0°, further preferred 2.0°<?<7.0°, more preferred 2.5°<?<6.0° and most preferred ?=3.0°±0.2°.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing samples (e.g., cosmetic samples) with primary product packages (e.g., cosmetic product packages) exterior to the primary product package.

Abstract: An airtight compact that contains a volatile product until a time of use. The airtight compact includes a translucent and fragile pot partially encased by a base assembly, which has a rotatable lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly. The rotatable lid assembly comprising a liner over-molded to an inner lid that directly seals to a rim of the fragile pot partially encased by the base. The fragile pot may be formed of a translucent glass, which is protected by the base and the rotatable lid assemblies.

Abstract: A cap assembly having a clutch mechanism which permits independent rotation of a stemmed applicator when the cap is in a closed position and prevents rotation when the cap is removed. The cap assembly in combination with a housing, particularly for cosmetics applications, is also disclosed. The stemmed applicator may have shaft having a non-circular cross-section, when taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for matching the skin shade of a person with the shade of a cosmetic composition includes a tape having a plurality of transparent and opaque portions. The opaque portions have different shades and unique shapes that are coded to so that each portion can be matched to a cosmetic composition of a particular shape by the shape of the portion. When the tape is attached to or at least placed adjacent to the body portion of a person, the opaque portion having a shade that is close to the shade of the skin of the respective body portion becomes substantially invisible.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for strapping around the body of a user comprising one or more pockets to securely hold a device that may be connected to the user. The apparatus includes a band comprising a first side and a second side and a fastening tab attachably connected on a first end of the second side of the band. The apparatus also includes a pocket attachably connected on a first side of the band.