Abstract: Described herein are products comprising a xylose (e.g., D-xylose or L-xylose and another sweetener such as glucose). Exemplary products include the following: ice cream, ice milk, sorbet, sherbet, gelatin candies, baby food, animal food, e.g., dog, cat, canine, or equine food, seasonings, sauces, cosmetics, dietary supplements, lip stick, lip gloss, face and body preparations, pharmaceuticals, such as flu and cold preparations, nutraceuticals, surgical preparations, procedure preparations, imaging preparations, e.g.

Abstract: An extract derived from sugar cane having GI or burn rate reducing characteristics wherein the extract comprises a mixture of one or more polyphenols, one or more carbohydrates, one or more minerals and one or more organic acids.

Abstract: An intestinal environment-improving agent containing, as an effective component, a starch with a high resistant starch content that satisfies the following conditions (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a content of a resistant starch measured by the resistant starch measurement method of AOAC official method 2002. 02 is equal to or higher than 60%; (b) a peak of a molecular weight is equal to or higher than 6×103 and equal to or lower than 4×104; (c) a molecular weight dispersity is equal to or higher than 1.5 and equal to or higher than 6.0; and (d) a gelatinization enthalpy at 50° C. to 130° C. measured by a differential scanning calorimetry is equal to or lower than 10 J/g.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The gas source may include a solid molecular sieve formed in beads in which at least 85% of the beads by weight have a size of 0.71 mm to 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A coring apparatus and method for coring produce and/or forming a beverage container from produce including a rotatable cutting core or member. The coring apparatus allows linear translation and/or rotation of constituent members to facilitate insertion of a cutting member, separation of a core from produce, and/or removal of the core from produce. A carrier is used to translate a rotatable cutting core for insertion in and removal from produce. The rotatable cutting core is rotatable in relation to the carrier and may optionally include an additional cutting member disposed therein.

Abstract: A process for automated high-throughput fruit or vegetable calyx removal includes a material handling system, a vision system, and a cutting system. The material handling system is capable of transporting the fruit or vegetable through the automated process. The material handling system may also orient the fruits or vegetables along an axis of the fruit and or align the fruit or vegetables in a desired pattern, orientation, and/or configuration. The vision system identifies the calyx and determines calyx position data and optimal cutting angle for individual fruit. The cutting system uses data received from the vision system to automatically remove the calyx from the fruit or vegetables.

Abstract: A device is introduced for preparation of milk and other beverages in bar or restaurant environments. The device has the unique ability to generate a micro-foam which imparts a sweet taste to the beverage without use of sugar, that sweet taste being equivalent to adding a flat teaspoon of sugar to a traditional cup of cappuccino. The computerized device consists of sensors and a fine mesh that is pushed through the beverage by means of an actuator adapted for this purpose while imparting quantitative heat through the process.

Abstract: A low ignition propensity wrapper comprising a first region and a second region different to the first region, wherein the first region is an embossed region. A low ignition propensity smoking article incorporating the wrapper and an apparatus and a method for forming the wrapper are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a tobacco smoking holder for smoking a cigarette and filtering the tobacco byproducts from the air before emitting the clear air from the holder. The holder enables a user to mount the cigarette within the holder, light the cigarette while in the holder, smoke the cigarette while in the holder isolating the combustion byproducts through a motorized filtering assembly housed within a housing, which removes the cigarette's byproducts from the air before exhausting the air, thereby protecting others from secondary smoke and other products produced during smoking. When finished smoking, the cigarette is then extinguished while in the housing by an extinguishing canister that encompasses the lit end of the cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette having a connector for magnetic connection, including a sucking rod and a power rod detachably connected with the sucking rod, wherein, the sucking rod includes a replaceable atomizer and a connector for connecting the atomizer and the power rod and transporting electricity of the power rod to the atomizer, the connector is magnetically connected with the atomizer, and detachably connected with the power rod. The electronic cigarette having a connector for magnetic connection of the present, can decrease manufacture and use cost of the electronic cigarette, and facilitate the installation, detachment and replacement of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: A smoke condensation resistant electronic cigarette includes absorption stem and a power source stem which are connected with each other detachably; an atomizer for transforming cigar liquid stored in the absorption stem into smoke and a smoke path for conducting the smoke out of the absorption stem are provided in the absorption stem. Here a smoke condensation resisting mechanism for preventing cooling and condensing of the smoke on an inner wall of the smoke path during flowing process is disposed in the absorption stem. The electronic cigarette of the present invention increases amount of smoke taken in by a smoker and prevents cigar liquid drips being inhaled by the smoker or greatly reducing amount of smoke taken in by the smoker. In addition, it facilitates reduction of manufacture and using cost, and also facilitates assembly, disassemble and replacement of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an electronic cigarette tightly engaged by expansion, which includes a sucking rod and a power rod, the sucking rod is configured with a first connector, the first connector includes a first seat and a first pole which are respectively served as two connecting electrodes of the first connector, and the first seat is configured with a first expanding portion; the power rod is configured with a second connector, the second connector comprises a second seat and a second pole which are respectively served as two connecting electrodes of the second connector, the second seat is configured with a second expanding portion tightly engaged with the first expanding portion by expansion; the first and second expanding portions are mutually tightly engaged by expansion to make the first connector to abut against the second connector and make the first pole to abut against the second pole.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.

Abstract: An underwear brief has a waistband, cloth construction forming a front region, a back region, side regions and a crotch region, two leg openings, a horizontal fly implemented with a first panel overlapping outside a second panel, with ends of each of the two panels secure to the fabric of the front region such that the horizontal fly provides a horizontal vertically-oriented entrance or exit through the front region of the brief, a first elastic band joined continuously, end-to-end, along full length of a lower edge of the first panel, a second elastic band joined continuously, end-to-end, along full length of an upper edge of the second panel, and a third elastic band joined horizontally to the front region at a position above and parallel to the upper edge of the second panel, with only the opposite ends of the third elastic band joined to the front region.

Abstract: Embodiments of socks having at least one heel padding are disclosed herein. The at least one heel padding can be attached to the heel pocket area of a sock, preferably in the top half of the heel pocket area. Such socks can be particularly advantageous in improving the comfort, as well as the fit of shoes on a person's feet.

Abstract: The heated bra with a GPS module is a brassiere that further comprises a heating device and a GPS module. The heating device is used to heat the brassiere during cold weather for the comfort of the user. The GPS module is used to track the location of the wearer and to relay the position to mapping software on a PDA. The heated bra with a GPS module comprises a brassiere, a heating device, and a controller.

Abstract: A brassiere formed of an inner garment base, memory foam, a pair of under supports, and an outer fabric cover. The under support is preferably formed from a piece of plastic material having rigidity from the distal edge to the proximal edge, flexibility and varying width from a medial end to a lateral end, and differing radii to accommodate the bottom portion shape of a breast implant, which is not a perfect semi-circle. The under support is set on a coronal plane to cradle, support, and hold the implant. The set positioning of the under support is such that the foam will encapsulate the under support keeping the proximal edge in proximity with bottom portion of the implant and the ribs. The under support has its largest width, thereby the largest contact surface with the implant, closest to the lateral end causing the implant to be supported upward and medially.

Abstract: A fabric is provided having a defined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions that extend entirely through the thickness of the fabric so that the defined pattern is identical on the inner and outer surfaces of the fabric. The defined pattern is configured so that the hydrophilic regions are all in communication or interconnected so that moisture, such as perspiration, can wick not only from the inner to the outer surface of the fabric but also throughout the surface of the fabric and in several directions on the fabric so that the surface area of the wetted hydrophilic regions increases. The defined pattern may be further configured so that none of the hydrophobic regions are in communication.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a human body which can reduce an impact applied to the human body when a wearer falls is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective garment that includes a lower portion having a pair of extremities each having a knee joint area connected to an upper leg portion by an upper radial seam and connected to a lower leg portion by a lower radial seam. The knee joint area of each extremity also has an inseam insert connected between the upper and lower radial seams.

Abstract: An adjustable clothing garment is provided. A clothing item shaped to cover at least a portion of a wearer's body and having attached on a bottom edge, a series of snaps is provided. A connecting clothing item having a substantially circular shape with a series of snaps affixed on a top edge that correspond with the series of snaps on the clothing item is provided.

Abstract: A mitten is constructed of two fabric sleeves sewn together about the perimeter of respective outer ends, one sleeve drawn into the other to be coextensive and nested together, with a thumb hole on one side of the sleeves adjacent a respective outer end. Insertion of a wearer's hand into an inner sleeve allows the fingers of the wearer to protrude through an opening defined by the perimeter of the sleeve ends and the thumb to protrude out through the thumb opening. When the wearer inserts a hand between the outer and inner sleeves, the fingers and thumb are covered. The sleeves are constructed of fabric panels sewn together, and may be of contrasting color and/or textures, allowing different appearances to be created by reversing the mitten.

Abstract: A limited durability fastening for a garment. The garment is provided with fastening members which engage to close the fastening and the fastening members are provided with means for controlling the degradation of the closure strength of the fastening as it is opened and closed and thus the number of permissible closures of the fastening having a pre-determined closure strength. The garment is particularly useful when fitted to a foot where short life is desirable at low cost or to a garment where re-use is to be discouraged for either clinical or commercial reasons.

Abstract: A long sleeved upper torso hooded garment which is worn by a user and comprising a detachable hood, the detachable hood including a top head portion, two opposed lateral portions, a back head portion, wherein there is a natural pocket portion in the back head portion of hood, above the hem or elastic neckline member, giving the natural pocket portion the ability to accommodate at least some of a user's loose hair; a front head opening portion, and a neck portion circumferentially extending around user's neck, the hood including a circumventing channel that encloses a drawstring at the edge of facial opening which is used to decrease the size of the facial opening, the upper torso portion of garment includes four openings, the two opposed lateral portions for allowing the users arms to pass through ending at the wrists' opening, the top opening for connecting the torso piece to the base of hood piece, and the bottom largest opening in which the user places the head, arms, and upper torso through to put on, or

Abstract: A device for providing protection against minor head injury and for stabilizing a hat is provided. The device moves from a generally flat first orientation into a domed-shaped second orientation. In the second orientation, the device is placed under the underside of a hat and supports the hat in an upright position. The device may be placed under a hat for protection and/or to store the hat in an upright position for display and to reduce the sagging of the hat over time. Further, the device may be placed under a hat and the hat worn. The device has a plurality of radially extending arms extending from a center portion. The perimeter surface of the device may be partially inserted within a groove of the hat so as to allow the device to remain secured within the hat. The device is also suitable for providing some protection against head injury when the device is properly worn under a hat.

Abstract: Headwear in which a storage area or pocket is formed in one side of the hat portion where an accessory is stored in the pocket when not in use. The free end of the accessory can be removed from the pocket by the wearer and pulled across the wearer's face after which the free end of the accessory is detachably secured to an opposite side of the hat portion so that the accessory remains positioned over the wearer's face. After use, the free end of the accessory is detached from the hat portion and returned for storage in the pocket. The invention is described in an embodiment for use in a ski hat in which the accessory is a goggle. Also described is the provision of a non-permeable layer in the hat portion that prevents moisture from reaching the goggle to prevent it from fogging up during its use.

Abstract: Described herein are helmets comprising at least one surface reinforcing component. In some embodiments the surface reinforcing component comprises at least one anchoring feature embedded in a structural feature of the helmet, such as a force absorbing element. In other embodiments, the surface reinforcing component comprises fasteners configured to mate with a respective fastener on a shell of the helmet.

Abstract: A device for presenting information about an article of footwear is disclosed, including: a housing for securing to the article of footwear; a position sensor disposed in the housing for determining a position of the device; a memory for storing information related to the article of footwear being in a first position; and a display for presenting the information about the article of footwear being in the first position based on the position of the device determined by the position sensor.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole member with an exposed central torsion bar or rod connecting the heel region of the sole member to the forefoot region of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may be supported at either end by sockets of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may also be supported at one or more intermediate points by a hollow component. This hollow component may itself be supported by ribs extending to the medial and lateral sides of the sole member, respectively. The torsion bar or rod, the sockets, the hollow component and the ribs form a suspension structure connecting the forefoot region of the sole member to the heel region of the sole member.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: Systems for securing shoes to the feet utilizing a one pull fit adjustment set of straps. The embodiments each utilize a number of straps, some fixed and some variable in length, positioned at select points across and around the top and sides of the shoe. At least one strap in the system provides an adjustable length whereby all straps may be drawn together to create a fit that tightens the shoe, preferably in both a horizontal and a vertical direction across the profile of the shoe. The systems use a variety of strong, but lightweight, nylon buckles, strips, anchor loops, and combinations thereof to permit the attachment and motion of the adjustment straps over the top and sides of the shoe. Three-point, as well as two-point attachment embodiments, most with a one pull adjustment are described. The systems are preferably on the medial side of the shoe.

Abstract: A traction overshoe which enables a user to safely cover the footwear while sitting or standing. The traction overshoe has left side flaps, right side flaps and a tension cord system. The left side flaps and the right side flaps are contiguous with the front and back supports of the traction overshoe and a tension cord system is attached to the right side flaps and the left side flaps. In use, a user grips a bottom grip-bar and moves the left side flaps and the right side flaps into vertical positions. The user then slips the footwear into the device and moves the bottom grip-bar in an upward position to secure the left side flaps and the right side flaps against the footwear.

Abstract: A cutting die for cutting a plurality of parts of an article of footwear from a bulk material. The cutting die includes a first cutting member that cuts a first part of the article of footwear from the bulk material. The cutting die also includes a second cutting member that cuts a second part of the article of footwear from the bulk material. The second cutting member is fixed to the first cutting member to cut the first and second parts together with a single stroke of the cutting die relative to the bulk material. The first and second parts are separate and distinct from each other and have different shapes.

Abstract: A transparent template for use with cover button kits which allows the user to view the underlying pattern or image on the cloth prior to cutting in order to determine the exact pattern and/or image which will appear on the face of the button upon fabrication, the transparent template comprising an upper and lower planar surface defined by an outer circular periphery and in inner circular periphery defining a circular window through the transparent template, the transparent template slidably positioned on the piece of cloth to be cut, and slidably moved until the desired pattern or image appears in the circular window allowing the user to then cut the cloth about the circular window for use with a cover button kit, the transparent templates coming in various sizes with various sized circular windows to accommodate buttons of varying sizes.

Abstract: A quick release jewelry band is configured to release a wrist-watch from the wrist of a wearer if the watch band is subject to an excessive load which may injure the wearer.

Abstract: A system of fasteners and connectors that can be used as part of fashion items such as jewelry, leather goods and garments is provided. One or more fasteners can be used interchangeably with a range of connectors to accommodate various kinds of decorative and functional applications.

Abstract: A material engagement element sheet formed from a sheet material (10) incorporates a pattern of material engagement element slots (14), each slot containing an array of material engagement elements (20) which have a tapered distal section (30), a flange section (34) and a proximal section (32) which is attached to an edge of the slots in the sheet material. The material engagement element sheet material may be a single layer of shape memory material, or the sheet material may be a composite of different layers some of which may include pre-strained shape memory materials with distinguishable activation parameters. The material engagement element slot configuration allows for the simultaneous processing of the material engagement elements. The material engagement elements may be processed such that they are in a state that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the material engagement element sheet.

Abstract: A fastener element includes a coupling head and a pair of leg portions and has a coupling concave portion provided on a first surface of the coupling head and a coupling convex portion projecting from a second surface of the coupling head. An outer margin portion on a first surface side of the coupling head has a first margin portion formed like a ridge line and a pair of second margin portions disposed on both sides of the first margin portion and formed like an inclined surface or a curved surface and one end of each of the second margin portions is arranged on an inside of both end positions of a width direction of the coupling concave portion. Accordingly, the feel of the fastener element can be improved and also the strength of the slide fastener with respect to transverse pulling can stably be maintained.

Abstract: An accessory cinching device for jewelry and footwear is disclosed. Jewelry device includes first cylindrical stationary housing with side wall, two pairs of side line holes, base collar, and bottom core hole. Each pair of side line holes is disposed on opposing sides of stationary housing. A second cylindrical rotating housing has at least two top line holes, top screw hole, top collar, and top core with at least two top core notches. A retaining nut has bottom core with at least two bottom core notches, bottom lip, and internal thread. Bottom core of retaining nut is adapted to be inserted up through bottom core hole of stationary housing. A screw is adapted to secure rotating housing to retaining nut. Base collar and bottom lip are adapted to maintain joined rotating housing, retaining nut, and screw, in alignment while allowing device to rotate relative to stationary housing when adjusting length of jewelry chain.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a nut carrier which includes a vertical engagement feature and molded spring fingers to couple to a body piercing instrument. The vertical engagement feature prevents rotation of the nut carrier relative to the body piercing instrument and the molded spring fingers provide a secure engagement over a rounded flange of the body piercing instrument. The nut carrier is implemented as a component in a body piercing system that employs separate carriers for the nut and the post. The novel nut carrier simplifies manufacturing eliminating a welded two part flange previously employed in the body piercing instrument.

Abstract: A pendant formed of separable segments along a substantially diagonal line in which the segments have a mechanical interlock formed of a member physically attached to the rear portion of one of the segments and having a tab which fits into a recess formed in the rear of the second of said tabs such as the segments may not be physically separated in the horizontal direction one from the other.

Abstract: A sports or fitness training pole, such as a pole used in Nordic walking, roller skating or skiing, including a pole shaft, a grip fixed to the top end of the pole shaft, and a ring construction fixed to the bottom end of the pole shaft, where the pole shaft includes two curved parts curving in opposite directions. The first curved part is in the central region of the pole and the second curved part is between the first curved part and the grip, and with respect to a straight line passing through the first curved part and the grip, the pole shaft above the first curved part is located on the rear side of the straight line, while the grip is in a forward tilted position with respect to the straight line.

Abstract: A telescopic stick mechanism for an automatic umbrella at least contains: a first stick section and a second stick section. The second stick section is fitted with and slides on the first stick section. The first stick section includes a first plug, and the second stick section includes a second plug. The first plug has a first through orifice defined therein, the second stick section also includes a first support member, and an upper end of the first support member is connected with the second plug, a lower end of the first support member is inserted into the first through orifice. The first stick section also includes a first pull rope fitted therein and coupling with the lower end of the first support member via a first fixing tab on the first plug, and a lower end of the first pull rope is rolled on the rolling mechanism.

Abstract: A trolley suitcase with deployable storage includes a front panel and a back panel. The front and back panels both have top and bottom edges, as well as first and second opposing side edges. An extendable handle extends from the top edge of the back panel and is moveable between a recessed position and an extended position. A deployable container is provided, deployable to define an auxiliary storage compartment external to the main storage compartment. The deployable container has a stored configuration and a deployed configuration. When in the stored configuration, the deployable container is collapsed, such that a first end thereof and a second end thereof are in adjacent positions. When in the deployed configuration, the first end of the deployable container is retained at its original position, while the second end of the deployable container is extended away from the first end. The auxiliary storage compartment is defined between the first end and the second end of the deployable container.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a multiple mode portable wheeled backpack includes: a backpack section and an extended trailing section that is removably coupled to the backpack section, wherein the extended trailing section includes a plurality of wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including a primary storage cavity, an expandable and collapsible secondary storage cavity, and at least one pair of rigid reinforcing structures contained within the secondary storage cavity. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a handbag, purse, tote, or clutch. In addition, a handbag is disclosed, the handbag including a primary storage cavity, an expandable and collapsible secondary storage cavity, at least one pair of rigid reinforcing structures contained within the secondary storage cavity, and a fastening mechanism configured to fasten the materials defining the secondary storage cavity in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A case has a body formed of a lower shell and an upper shell pivotally connected to each other. The lower shell contains a plurality of compartments serving to receive objects. A plate, one side of which bears holding elements for writing implements, is mounted on the body in a manner such that it can pivot about a pivot axis running approximately parallel to the flat plane of the lower shell. The plate, in a first pivoted position, rests on the lower shell and covers at least some of the compartments thereof and, in a second pivoted position, is swung out of the lower shell.

Abstract: An electronically secured money belt has a pouch attached to an elongated waist band and an electronic control circuit. The elongated waist band includes a wire mesh circuit electrically coupled to the electronic control circuit whereby damaging one or more wire elements of the wire mesh circuit causes the electronic control circuit to activate an audible alarm. In some embodiments, pouch includes a closure, such as a snap, button, or zipper that doubles as an electronic switch electrically coupled to the electronic control circuit. The closure closes the electronic control circuit to activate the security system. A master switch is located on the waistband and is electrically coupled to the electronic control circuit. The master switch is operable to activate or deactivate said electronic control circuit and therefore the security system. A magnet-attachable accessory engages a magnet on the belt to provide an auxiliary means to activate the security system.

Abstract: An attic door rope apparatus for retractably storing an attic door rope may comprise a spool rotatably coupled with a rotation mechanism, and a stored-energy mechanism having a first end coupled with the spool and a second end coupled with the rotation mechanism, wherein the stored-energy mechanism is configured to impart a torque on the spool about a rotation axis of the spool. Another attic door rope apparatus for retractably storing an attic door rope may comprise a winding mechanism configured to rotate in an unwinding direction and a winding direction, a motor coupled with the winding mechanism configured to turn the winding mechanism in at least the unwinding direction, a sensor configured to detect a user command and send a command signal to the motor, and a power source in electrical communication with the motor and the sensor.