Abstract: A method of controlling microorganisms such as lactobacilli metabolism in mash in an ethanol production facility includes adding to the mash an effective amount to control such microorganisms of one or more of a substantially water insoluble pristinamycin-type antimicrobial agent, a substantially water insoluble polyether ionophore antimicrobial agent, or both, wherein the term “substantially water insoluble” means the antimicrobial agent has a solubility in pure water at 20° C. of 0.

Abstract: To provide a plant disease control composition having excellent control effect against plant diseases. A plant disease control composition comprising an amide compound represented by formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, and captan has excellent control effect against plant diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Abstract: Methods of improving the yield and quality of plants in the Solanaceae family by administering an effective amount of a mixotrophic Chlorella based liquid composition in low concentration and low frequency applications are disclosed. The administration may comprise soil or foliar applications of the composition.

Abstract: A dough forming apparatus comprising a lower support frame, a lower pressing platen coupled to the lower support frame, and an upper pressing platen assembly positioned above the lower pressing platen. The upper pressing platen assembly further comprises a backing structure, an upper backing platen coupled to the backing structure, and a pressing plate removably coupled to the upper backing platen by vacuum or electromagnetic means. Means for heating the pressing plate, and shims for adjusting the flatness of the pressing surface are provided. A conveyor supported by the lower support frame is positioned to pass between the lower pressing platen and the upper pressing platen assembly. A method of adjusting the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Calcium additives useful for fortifying baked goods, such as bread products, with calcium are disclosed. The calcium additives are particularly useful for fortifying leavened baked goods with calcium. Methods for preparing the calcium additives and using the calcium additives to fortify baked goods are also disclosed. Generally, the calcium additives comprise intimate admixtures calcium carbonate and an acid such as citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of lactic acid bacteria selected and fungal enzymes for the gluten complete degradation from both bread and durum wheat, barley, rye and oat flour. In particular, the invention concerns the use of lactic acid bacteria selected and fungal enzymes for the gluten complete degradation (residual gluten concentration lower than 20 ppm) of cereal flours, which after detoxification can be used according to a standardized biotechnological protocol for the production of various gluten-free foods.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular film food casing, a process for its production and a food product comprising the tubular film food casing.

Abstract: A support hook for moving meat, more specifically for pieces or cubes of bacon/belly during the processing and/or curing thereof includes a framework and a plurality of tips. The plurality of tips are integral with the respective framework via respective heads arranged on both sides and the holes of the framework such that each tip can be inserted and interchanged even at a later time, if any tip should be broken or chipped. This type of hook is generally called comb or bacon comb.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein is provided. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: A method of making coffee is provided. After a cold-brewed coffee is extracted from coffee beans, nitrogen gas is charged into the cold-brewed coffee. The cold-brewed coffee into which nitrogen gas is dissolved, is cooled to form a nitrogen-charged coffee. Therefore, the nitrogen-charged coffee may keep a rich density of foam and a flavor.

Abstract: Agglomerates comprising calcium-hydrocolloid-composite materials and at least one sugar alcohol, as well of methods for preparing the agglomerates and various applications thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for continuously producing foaming compositions from powders, granules, and/or particulate are provided and/or powders, granules, and/or particulates that contains high pressure gas. The methods and systems are configured to reduce energy costs and overall processing time and, thus, provide advantages over the prior batch processes that have lengthy temperature ramp-up and cool-down times due to the shortcomings of using a large pressure vessel.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of a composition from an extruder, which composition is suitable for use in a food product, is disclosed. The process provides a composition which is comprised of a hydrophilicized carrier and surface-active compound which is extruded. The process describes adding the surface-active compound after the carrier is hydrophilicized.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl material that is useful for foods, pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetic products, etc. The equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl material of the invention is obtained by fermenting soybean hypocotyls using at least one microorganism having an equol-producing ability by utilizing at least one daidzein compound selected from the group consisting of diadzein glycosides, daidzein, and dihydrodaidzein.

Abstract: Preparations for oral consumption are proposed, comprising (a) lactic acid 1-menthyl ester of the general formula (I) its stereoisomers or mixtures thereof, (b) at least one substance having a bitter, astringent and/or metallic taste impression, and optionally (c) further flavorings.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) compositions containing isomaltulose, methods for preparing the same and uses thereof. Specifically, the IMO compositions according to the present application containing isomaltulose, which is a sugar component not contained in currently available isomaltooligosaccharide products, have a quality of sweetness and degree of sweetness differentiated from the existing isomaltooligosaccharide products and thus can be used as sweeteners for more various applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brewed soy sauce that has light color and reduced smell with a robust taste. In the brewed soy sauce, HEMF is less than 15 ppm. Glutamic acid is 0.9% (w/v) or more. Lactic acid and acetic acid are respectively 0.1% (w/v) or more. Reducing sugar is 1.5% (w/v) or less. Levulinic acid is less than 0.01% (w/v). And, pH is 4.5-5.5. The brewed soy sauce is produced as follows: First, a raw material is prepared from a plant protein-source material and a low-starch carbohydrate-source material. Then, koji is made by inoculating koji mold to the prepared raw material. Next, salt water is added to the koji, and the mixture of the salt water and koji is fermented. At least 5 days after initiating the fermentation, yeast belonging to Candida genus is added to the mixture. Then, the fermentation is matured.

Abstract: A method of alleviating symptoms of, or treating, pancreatic beta-cell damage in a subject includes a step of identifying a subject having pancreatic beta-cell damage. Multiple cycles of a diet protocol are administered to the subject. The diet protocol includes administering of a fasting mimicking diet and a re-feeding diet where the fasting mimicking diet is provided for a first time period and the re-feeding diet is provided for a second time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid nutritional compositions, particularly shelf stable liquid nutritional compositions including compositions comprising non-hydrolyzed whey protein, and methods of producing and using these compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plurality of compositions for dietary health management and its use in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, and also in the prevention and/or management of obesity and generally in weight management and loss. Thus a meal intended for human consumption is provided, the meal comprising: (a) 250-650 kilocalories (1045-4180 kiloJoules); (b) 10-50, preferably 20-50, more preferably 30-50 g fiber; (c) 10-50, preferably 10-30, more preferably 10-20 g protein; (d) 0 to 5, preferably less than 3 g starch; and (e) 0 to 2, preferably 0 to 1, most preferably 0 to 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to characterizing changes in mammalian intestinal microbiota associated with associated with high-fat and low-fat diets and with diets containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and related methods for diagnosing, preventing and treating obesity and related conditions such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Therapeutic methods of the invention involve the use of probiotics, and/or prebiotics, and/or narrow spectrum antibiotics/anti-bacterial agents that are capable of restoring healthy mammalian bacterial intestinal microbiota.

Abstract: A nutritional composition having a lipid or fat; a protein source; a source of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which comprises docosahexanoic acid; and up to about 2.5% by weight of a source of supplemental calcium which, when dissociated, provides a cation having prebiotic functionality.

Abstract: A method provides a reconstitutable and water soluble free flowing powder product that includes non-mucilaginous, non-oily free flowing chia grains having a size of between approximately 80 and 90 microns, a PH range of between 6.5 and 7.5, 3% average moisture, and a centipoise of between approximately 1,000 and 1,500 cp with 50% water solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to solubilize and infuse calcium phosphate directly into water, water beverages and juices at very high concentration from which it is readily available for immediate and complete absorption. A premix of powdered ingredients including ground limestone, amino acetic acid phosphate, amino acetic acid citrate and optionally zinc carbonate, acidulants sweeteners and/or flavors can be mixed with the water, water beverages and juices. The water, water beverages and juices containing infused calcium phosphate do not require further processing and are readily consumable.

Abstract: Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A fluidized bed coffee roaster controls air flow and/or temperature to maintain a desired time-temperature roast profile. The roaster may also provide a two stage quenching cycle for rapidly cooling roasted coffee beans to ambient temperature. In a first stage of the quenching cycle unheated air is passed through the roasted beans while they are still in the roasting chamber of the fluidized bed roaster. In a second stage of the quenching cycle which is carried out outside of the roasting chamber, in a fluidized bed quenching station, unheated air is flowed through, and fluidizes, the roasted coffee beans cooling them to ambient temperature.

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

Abstract: Smokeless tobacco products suitable for oral consumption are provided. The smokeless tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one fibrous structure enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the tobacco composition such that the fibrous structure and the tobacco composition form a cohesive structure capable of maintaining cohesion when placed in an oral cavity, wherein the fibrous structure includes one or more of (i) a warp knitted structure; (ii) a plurality of reinforcing fibers attached to the tobacco composition; (iii) a braided sleeve; and (iv) a spacer fabric. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product adapted for oral consumption is also provided, the process including the step of enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of a tobacco composition with a fibrous structure to form a composite structure.

Abstract: A process for producing a coated filter plug for a smoking article including: (a) incorporating an additive to a porous filter plug, thereby obtaining an impregnated filter plug; (b) coating a surface of the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linkable polymer material; and (c) cross-linking the cross-linkable polymer material, to form a cross-linked, breakable coating substantially enclosing the impregnated filter plug. The process may further include at least partially coating the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linking agent prior to, or subsequent to, coating with the cross-linkable polymer material.

Abstract: A composite particle comprises a cellulose acetate and at least one amino compound selected from the group consisting of an amino acid and an aminosulfonic acid.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking device comprises a porous mass of active particles adapted to enhance a tobacco smoke flowing over said active particles and binder particles. The active particles comprises about 1-99% weight of the porous mass, and the binder particles comprises about 1-99% weight of said porous mass. The active particles and said binder particles are bound together at randomly distributed points throughout the porous mass. The active particles have a greater particle size than the binder particles.

Abstract: A cigarette holder, including a hollow tube having a front end serving as a mouthpiece and a rear end over which the non-burning end of a cigarette is receivable and a clip attached to the tube. The clip includes a pair of cooperating, opposing, openable jaws to removably hold the non-burning end of the cigarette over the rear end of the tube, to form an airtight seal. The jaws each have an opposing end tip and are movable from a closed position where the end tips are in contact with each other to an open position where the end tips are spaced apart from each other. The jaws can also be used to open the non-burning end of the cigarette so that it fits over the rear end of the tube.

Abstract: The invention is related to an electronic cigarette which is equipped with a universal serial bus (USB) connector. The electronic cigarette includes a cigarette body and a connecting device. The connecting device is retractably disposed in the cigarette body so as to be hidden therein, and the connecting device includes a connector and a conductor of which a length is extendable. When not in use, the conductor is foldably retracted to be hidden within the cigarette body together with the connector, while the connecting device is in use, the connecting device is pulled away and the conductor extends to a predetermined length to electrically connect the electronic cigarette to an external electronic device or power. Because the USB connector and the conductor are disposed in the electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette is capable of being used conveniently and assembled quickly.

Abstract: The invention provides a bib and apron apparatus having a first member defining a bib sized to be fitted around a user's neck and a second member defining an apron sized to cover the user's body between the stomach and legs. A pocket is located on the bib for housing snacks or other items essential to the user. The first member includes an attachment mechanism that connects to an attachment mechanism on the second member such that the connected first and second members covers nearly the full body of the user to prevent staining any portion of the user's clothing or for hygienic purposes. An apron having safety pockets for storing apron securing straps therein when the bib is attached thereto. The apron and bib further includes at least one safety flap for selectively covering and protecting the attachment mechanisms and/or a user's body.

Abstract: An improvement in a brassiere is described providing a backside having an “X” interconnection with a stabilizing “X” connector which improves the comfort of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brassiere (1) in which each substantially hemispherical cup (2) comprises, in the bottom portion thereof, a polycarbonate support (20) in the shape of a crescent that becomes wider toward the outside, which is thermoformed, and which is secured to the two layers of lace or gauze of the cup by means of a fabric shell adhered to the support and slightly projecting beyond same in order to enable sewing with the layers of lace or gauze along the bottom edge (4). The result is a light brassiere that provides the chest with an advantageous shape.

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another.

Abstract: A thermal energy dissipating garment may include a first garment portion having a perimeter defined by at least a first side and a second garment portion having a perimeter defined by at least a vent side. The first garment portion and the second garment portion are discontinuously affixed to each other at defined intervals along a surface of each portion proximate to the first side and the vent side creating a vent seam having a plurality of ducts/scalloped vents for directing air towards a body of a wearer. The plurality of scalloped vents are oriented with an angle of attack that redirects air from the exterior of the garment to the interior of the garment to increase air movement along a wearer's skin.

Abstract: A chest and rib protection padded shirt, configured to lift a human user's head from a surfboard while providing protection to a human user's chest and ribs. The chest and rib protection padded shirt includes a shirt attached to padding. The padding further includes a plurality of primary pads, secondary pads, tertiary pads, quaternary pads, and quinary pads having a quinary plurality of pads thickness. The primary plurality of pads thickness is greater than the secondary plurality of pads thickness. The secondary plurality of pads thickness is greater than the tertiary plurality of pads thickness. The tertiary plurality of pads thickness is greater than the quaternary plurality of pads thickness. The quaternary plurality of pads thickness is greater than the quinary plurality of pads thickness. The padding is adequate to prevent rib injuries while configured to lift the human user's head from the surfboard without the neck strain.

Abstract: Cushioning elements for apparel may include a pair of material layers and a pad component that is located between and secured to the material layers. At least one surface of the pad component includes a plurality of grooves. In some configurations, both surfaces include the grooves. Moreover, the grooves may be elongate and extend at least partially across the pad component.

Abstract: There is provided a mask that includes a mask body and two strings. The two strings hold the mask body at a predetermined position on the face of a wearer by being caught by both ears or the head of the wearer. Folded portions, which are adapted so as to be capable of rising and falling on the surface of the mask body coming into contact with the face of the wearer, are formed on both sides of the mask body.

Abstract: An elongate shell having a longitudinal axis an inner volume sized and shaped to receive a user therein. The elongate shell has a front portion adapted to cover the front of a user during use and a back portion adapted to cover the back of the user during use. The elongate shell has a pair of arm ports. Each of the arm ports is selectively moveable from a closed port position to an opened port position for allowing the user external access from within the shell. Each of the ports comprising includes an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel is positioned in overlapping face-to-face engagement with the outer panel in the closed port position. The outer panel is spaced from the inner panel in the opened port position to define a passage for allowing the user to extend their arm through the respective port. The elongate shell further includes a bottom portion and an opening in the bottom portion to allow a user's feet to extend through the opening to the exterior of the inner volume.

Abstract: A multi-function glove that has attached a wrist band, a little finger sheath, a ring finger sheath and a truncated sheath that fits into a middle finger, an index finger and the thumb. The glove has attached a side-hinged viewing flap that covers a paper pad such as a POST-IT® paper pad. The glove also has attached a zippered pocket that extends vertically from the little finger sheath to the wrist band. The pocket is dimensioned to conveniently store and remove a writing implement. The middle finger, index finger and thumb projecting from the truncated cavities allow the writing implement to be easily grasped and maneuvered.

Abstract: Protective garments are disclosed having an inner lining with high lubricity and high strength characteristics. The inner lining, in one embodiment, contains spun yarns combined with para-aramid multifilament yarns. The spun yarns may also contain flame resistant fibers, such as meta-aramid fibers, FR cellulose fibers, or mixtures thereof. The para-aramid filament yarns provide excellent strength characteristics to the fabric. In addition, in some embodiments, the multifilament yarns may enhance the fire resistant properties of the fabric. In one embodiment, the para-aramid filament yarns may have less than five twists per inch, such as from about 1 twist per inch to about four twists per inch.

Abstract: A double-shell helmet is disclosed. The double-shell helmet includes an outer shell, an impact absorbing material layer affixed to the outer shell on a first side of the impact absorbing material layer, an inner shell affixed to the impact absorbing material layer on a second side of the impact absorbing material layer opposite the first side of the impact absorbing material layer, and a foam layer affixed to the inner shell.

Abstract: Helmet element (1) for, as a component of a helmet which is provided with a helmet shell (7) and a cranium strap (9) for enclosing the user's cranium, providing a connection between said cranium strap and helmet shell, which helmet element comprises a leave springs connected to the helmet shell and the cranium strap. Ends of the leave springs are connected together, leaving an eye between the leave springs. The leaf springs are connected to the helmet shell (13) and the cranium strap (11) respectively. A buffer member (3) may be provided as a spacer in the eye between the leaf springs. The buffer member (3) may be made of foam material.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe includes at least a plate of thermoplastic material and a heating element. The thermoplastic plate is fully customizable. Fully customizable soles for shoes with heating elements, and a method for obtaining insoles or soles, especially for winter shoes are also described.