Abstract: A biocontrol agent containing one or more novel and isolated Pseudomonas fluorescens strains (P. fluorescens biovar B strain XJ3 (NRRL B-50851), P. fluorescens biovar B strain XS18 (NRRL B-50852), and P. fluorescens biovar A strain LRS 12 (NRRL B-50853)) and a biocontrol agent containing one, two or three of these bacteria with an agriculturally acceptable carrier are useful for the control of annual bluegrass and rough bluegrass root growth and germination. The biocontrol agents of this invention may be applied to the soil and/or seeds in the fall with inhibition occurring in subsequent years. The biocontrol agent can also be used in combination with herbicides that can inhibit the growth and seed production of any standing annual bluegrass and/or fertilizer to stimulate growth of the desirable plant that will compete with the annual bluegrass weed and/or rough bluegrass. Methods for use of these biocontrol agents to control to growth of annual bluegrass and rough bluegrass are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the control and management of wildlife populations (including domesticated animals) and pests such as rodents, birds including geese, deer and other herbivores such as rabbits, ground hogs, raccoons, moose and elk, tunneling animals such as moles, voles and gophers and insects, carnivores and other organisms such as predators. Specifically provided are FIFRA exemption-based formulations which may be applied to natural or artificial surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating dough, comprising an essentially horizontally extending conveyor, for conveying a flat dough sheet, at least one mat, arranged above the conveyor, with its end downstream the direction of conveyance resting on or slightly above the conveyor, for rolling up the dough sheet when it is conveyed underneath, at least one fence, forming a blunt sealing knife, arranged vertically at a distance above the conveyor surface and extending in the direction of conveyance, downstream the at least one mat, for notching and therewith sealing the rolled up dough sheet without cutting it and at least one rotatable knife, arranged at the downstream outermost end of the fence and in the plane of said fence, for cutting the notched dough piece. The invention further relates to a method for treating dough.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for shaping three-dimensional portions of food product, in particular meat, in particular for shaping portions of minced meat, provided with an interleaving paper applying device, as well as a corresponding paper applying device. The machine comprises a shaping device (1) with shaping cells (2) wherein are shaped portions (S) of food product, and a paper applying device (3) comprising an applying drum (4) provided with on its peripheral cylindrical surface (41) at least one paper applying system (5) in order to take and maintain papers (9) on its peripheral surface and apply them on the portions placed in the shaping cells. The machine also has drives the cells and applying drum in synchronism.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed wherein the conveyor line includes two or more conveyor lines wherein all of the conveyor lines are built on a common frame. By building the conveyor lines on a common frame, the conveyor lines can be built adjacent to one another and share common sidewalls, eliminating gaps of traditional conveyor systems. Adjustable standing platforms can also be added to assist workers in reaching the conveyor lines. The result is a more modular, easier to clean, ergonomically beneficial conveyor system.

Abstract: This invention relates to automated systems and methods for hanging live poultry for further processing. The system has an alignment conveyor, an alignment stunner, a hanging box, and a shackle. The alignment conveyor conveys poultry from an input point to the alignment stunner. The alignment stunner urges the poultry to move to a desired position on the alignment conveyor and stuns the poultry. The hanging box grasps the stunned poultry and places the poultry into the shackle for further processing. A computer and at least one sensor control operation of the system so that human intervention is minimized.

Abstract: A unitary resilient rubber finger pad for a poultry plucking machine, the finger pad having a circular base with a central aperture therethrough, an annular base plate completely embedded within the circular base; a plurality of fingers extending from one face of the base, each of the fingers being fixed to the face of said base, each of said fingers having a base, a tapered shank, and a grip pattern on a portion of said shank remote from said base; the fingers being arranged in a pair of concentric rings on the base. The method of mounting the finger pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the bacterial count on a poultry carcass during poultry processing after the picking stage and prior to the chilling stage by applying an intervention solution having at least one equilibrium peroxycarboxylic acid or a pH modified peroxycarboxylic acid comprising peroxyacetic acid to the poultry carcass at an elevated temperature above 100° F. and at an elevated concentration of at least 200 ppm for a desired period of time of less than about 30 seconds to reduce the bacterial count by at least 60 percent. The process providing acceptable antimicrobial control in poultry processing prior to the chilling stage.

Abstract: An egg chiller is provided that can be used to chill both raw and hard-boiled eggs. The egg chiller has a base tray and at least one additional tray. An interior volume of both the base tray and the at least one additional tray is filled with an amount of water through an interior opening. A plug is inserted into the interior opening of both the base tray and the at least one additional tray in order to prevent the amount of water from leaking out. After the amount of water is allowed to freeze, eggs are placed within a plurality of egg-bottom recesses of both the base tray and the at least one additional tray. The at least one additional tray is then stacked on top of the base tray, allowing for compact storage of the egg chiller.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for treating an object with chlorine dioxide gas, comprising contacting the object with chlorine dioxide gas while exposing the object to less than 1000 lux of light. The disclosed method minimizes chlorine containing residue on the surface of the object. The object can be a raw agricultural commodity (RAC) such as a raw fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated thraustochytrid microorganisms as well as strains and mutants thereof. The invention is further directed to biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, cultures, methods of producing microbial oils, and methods of using the isolated thraustochytrids, biomasses, and microbial oils.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tea extract, which is reduced in bitterness, sourness and coarse taste, has a good affinity with various beverages, and contains non-polymer catechins that are highly stable in a sterilized beverage to which the tea extract is added. A purified tea extract, including: (1) non-polymer catechins (a) in a solid content accounting for from 45 to 90 wt. %; (2) a percentage of gallate body in the non-polymer catechins being from 0.001 to 47 wt. %; and (3) a weight ratio of a gallic acid/the non-polymer catechins being not greater than 0.3.

Abstract: A sealed pack (440) contains quantities of ingredients to make an individual smoothie portion. The ingredients comprise a flavor ingredient (410) such as pieces of fruit (strawberries, raspberries, mango), a frozen portion of liquid (420) such as water, fruit juice, milk, coffee or tea; and a consistency ingredient (430) such as ice-cream, sorbet and yoghurt. The pack may be subjected to a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the frozen state of some of the ingredients in the pack (440). Also disclosed is a method of packaging the ingredients into the pack, or into first and second containers, or into a container with compartments for different ingredients in frozen and unfrozen states; and a method of preparing an individual smoothie using the sealed pack wherein the ingredients are blended with additional liquid; and an apparatus that uses the sealed pack for automatically vending an individual smoothie portion.

Abstract: A gel-based comestible and method of preparing same. In one embodiment of the invention, the gel-based comestible is consumed in one bite without the need for a spoon or other utensil, and supplies the consumer with about 200 mg/serving caffeine, 1000 mg/serving taurine, and 100% of the recommended daily allowances of vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flour-based food products containing Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) capable to reduce body weight and plasma LDL cholesterol, lipids and glucose.

Abstract: An automatic bean curd maker is provided in the present invention. Soybeans and water are blended and grinded to produce raw bean pulp, and the raw bean pulp is boiled in a steamer to form bean pulp. The bean pulp is mixed and stirred with coagulator to form soy custard in a stirring tank. Specifically, a coagulator dosing device and a coagulator tank are connected circulatedly wherein the coagulator dosing device supplies a predetermined amount of coagulator to the stirring tank. The soy custard in the stirring tank falls into a molding container to be molded and pressed to form bean curd. Thus, bean curd can be produced automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant formula milk powder capable of preventing and alleviating infant iron deficiency anemia and a preparation method thereof. The formula milk powder comprises components such as vegetable oil, fresh milk, whey powder, lactose powder, whey protein powder, oligosaccharides, complex vitamins and complex minerals, wherein the lactoferrin and vitamin C, or alternatively, an iron source (calculated as iron), lactoferrin and vitamin C are maintained in the appropriate mass ratios, and the formula milk powder of the present invention is obtained by performing mixing, homogenizing, cooling, concentrating and spray-drying, packaging or directly using a step-by-step mixing method.

Abstract: This is a process to make a shelf-stable, liquid, ready-to-drink, aseptic nutritional formula for the treatment of PKU, tyrosinemia or other errors of metabolism. The liquid nutritional formula has caseino-glyco-macropeptide as the primary protein source and complementary essential amino acids to complete the requirement profile. The beverage also includes vitamins and minerals sufficient to meet daily requirements. When used as a complete diet, the nutritional formula includes a carbohydrate source and a fat source. The nutritional formula has a pleasant taste.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprises a shelf stable, partially defatted supercritical CO2 fluid solvent extracted whole grain flour derived from a cracked biomass of perilla frutescens, the flour comprising minerals and 2 to 8 percent of native seed oil, 35 to 45 percent protein, and 35 to 45 percent fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of probiotic on expecting female mammals to boost the immune status of offspring. The use can induce an enhanced response of the offspring after birth to an infectious antigenic exposure. Ultimately the use of probiotic in expecting females can induce a better protection of offspring against infectious diseases.

Abstract: A stabilizer system for use in a whole grain beverage containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), xanthan gum and gellan gum. In one aspect of the present invention, the stabilizer system includes about 5 to 20% gellan gum, about 1 to 10% xanthan gum, and about 50 to 90% CMC. The stabilizer system may be used in milk-based or juice-based whole grain beverages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transformation system for at least one component of a single or multi-component nutritional substance. The transformation system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be transformed, the desired transformation, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the transformed nutritional substance, and dynamically modifies the transformation in response to this information. Also disclosed herein is an information system that enables the rapid determination of a nutritional substance's compliance, or non-compliance, with a consumer's nutritional substance requirements.

Abstract: A fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a plurality of polymeric fibers surrounding the smokeless tobacco. The polymeric fibers can have a basis weight of 5 gsm or less and a diameter of less than 100 microns. In some cases, the polymeric fibers are melt-blown polymeric fibers. In some cases, the polymeric fibers are centrifugal force spun polymeric fibers. A method of preparing a fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product includes melt-blowing or centrifugal force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers to create an polymer deposition zone and passing a body comprising smokeless tobacco through the polymer deposition zone. In some cases, an electrostatic charge can be applied to the plurality of polymeric fibers, the body, or a combination thereof. In some cases, a spin is applied to the body when passing through the polymer deposition zone.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cigarette tobacco compacting mechanism with a compacting member mounted for reciprocal up and down motion between top and bottom plates and either a single self-cleaning slot or multiple slot portions extending across one of the plates to engage the compacting member during its up and down motion between the plates.

Abstract: A cigarette paper is disclosed which contains pulp fibres and filler material particles, wherein at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight and particularly at least 90% by weight of the filler material has a particle size distribution measured in accordance with ISO 13320 for which for the distribution parameter p=d10+2·d30+2·d70-d90 holds: p?5.0 ?m, preferably p?4.0 ?m and particularly preferably p?3.5 ?m, and p??1.0 ?m, preferably p?0.0 ?m and particularly preferably p?1.0 ?m.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, comprising an outer sleeve and a suction nozzle cap mounted at one end of the outer sleeve; wherein, the suction nozzle cap is sheathed on the outer sleeve, and an inner wall of the suction nozzle cap is located at the outside of an outer wall of the outer sleeve. The suction nozzle cap is sheathed on the outer sleeve, the disassembly of the suction nozzle cap is more convenient, and the structure design of the suction nozzle cap is diversified.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, which comprises a battery component. A battery, a PCB board and a press-key switch are provided in the battery component, and the press-key switch is set on the PCB board. An end face of the battery is located opposite one end face of the PCB board. A first electrode pin and a second electrode pin are provided on one end face of the battery, wherein the end face of the battery is adjacent to the PCB board. A first socket and a second socket are provided at one side of the PCB board, wherein the side of the PCB board is adjacent to the battery. The first electrode pin is inserted and soldered in the first socket, and the second electrode pin is inserted and soldered in the second socket.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a heating chamber for heating smokable material, the apparatus being operable in a first configuration to allow a gaseous flow between an interior of the chamber and an exterior of the chamber and operable in a second configuration to prevent the gaseous flow by hermetic sealing of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an expandable glove including a glove body having a palmar side and a backhand side; a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion each having a palmar side and a backhand side, wherein the finger portions and thumb portion are operatively attached to said glove body; and, an expandable area smocked into at least one of the finger portions on the backhand side. Also included is a glove produced by the method of dipping a hand mold in liquid latex, the hand mold having a finger with a concavity; drying the liquid latex into dried latex; and, turning the dried latex inside-out to remove the dried latex from the hand mold.

Abstract: An upper body apparel with concealed pouches includes an upper body garment, an opening, and a concealed section. The concealed section is positioned within the upper body garment, and the opening, which is positioned with a front pouch of the upper body garment, allows a wearer of the upper body garment to access the concealed section. The concealed section includes at least one accessory pouch and a holster pocket. The at least one accessory pouch enables the wearer to store electronic device or any other related devices, and the holster pocket enables the wearer to concealed a gun or any other type of weapon. A loop and a securing strip secure the concealed section to a belt of the wearer's pants, where the securing strip and the loop eliminate unnecessary movement of the stored items and the upper body garment.

Abstract: A helmet accessory is provided, the helmet having an outer surface shaped to cover at least a portion of a user's head, the accessory including a first layer disposed over the shell of the helmet, the first layer having a coefficient of friction less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the shell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching an accessory to a helmet. A helmet accessory mounting interface may be attached to a receptacle. The receptacle may be removably or permanently received by a carrier. The carrier may be attached to a helmet having a particular shape and size. The carrier also may be configured to receive any selected type of a plurality of receptacle types which, in turn, corresponds to a particular mounting interface for a helmet accessory. The receptacle may be receivable, in some embodiments removably, by any one of a number of different types of carriers.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed configured to allow viewing of scenes not directly in the field of view of the viewer. In various embodiments, a helmet is equipped with a video camera, facing in a direction other than the direction of view of the user of the helmet, and a display visible to the user to display the images captured by the video camera. The helmet may be used while riding a bicycle, a motorcycle, a horse, while walking, and the like. In some embodiments, the video camera transmits data wirelessly and the direction of its view is adjustable. In some embodiments, a storage device is integrated in the helmet to allow recording of the images and sounds captured by the video camera for future download to another recording medium or a computing device.

Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet for protecting the head of a wearer includes an outer shell and an energy dissipating inner layer coupled to the outer shell. The inner layer defines an inner surface, and front attachment locations are inwardly offset from the inner surface substantially at a frontal portion of the helmet. Rear attachment locations are inwardly offset from the inner surface substantially at a rear portion of the helmet. An internal ventilation system is supported by the front attachment locations and the rear attachment locations. The internal ventilation system is configured for direct engagement with the head of the wearer for supporting the helmet upon the head of the wearer. The internal ventilation system provides a gap between the head of the wearer and the inner surface. The gap allows ventilating air to flow over a substantial extent of the wearer's head and within the helmet.

Abstract: A locating and tracking system includes shoes, which carry a wireless module. A user walking the area causes clicking or intermittent energizing a transmitter carried in the module. The transmitter communicates with a plurality of fixed wireless access points, to provide the position and tracking for persons in the area.

Abstract: Golf shoes include one or more of the following: (a) a foot stabilizer system that interacts with a shoe securing system to securely engage and/or wrap around a foot of a wearer; (b) a natural motion sole, optionally including flex grooves that allow a weight transfer from back-to-front and/or from side-to-side; (c) a six cleat configuration (e.g., four cleats in a forefoot region, two cleats in a heel region, and no cleats located directly under a big toe); (d) a forefoot moderator plate positioned to moderate or reduce user feel of the forefoot cleats; (e) a lateral half heel counter extending from a rear heel area to a lateral midfoot or lateral forward heel area of the shoe; and/or (f) one or more medial, forefoot, sidewall traction elements at or near a big toe area of the sole.

Abstract: A split-sole dance shoe, comprising: a thin flexible shoe upper defining an opening to receive a foot; an outsole region to underlie a sole of the foot and in combination with the upper defining a heel section, an arch section and a forefoot section; and thin flexible reinforcing structure coupled to the shoe upper and the outsole region and extending from adjacent the opening in an upper part of the heel section around a lower part of the heel section and through the arch section along a longitudinal direction of the shoe, the reinforcing structure broadening from adjacent the opening to substantially cup a lower posterior portion of the calcaneus and then narrowing toward the arch section, the reinforcing structure in the arch section being arranged to closely match flexion of the arch in pointe position without the appearance of bunching of the shoe upper in the arch section.

Abstract: A cycling shoe includes a sole having a toe section, a ball section, an arch section, and a heel section. An upper is connected to the sole to provide a cavity for receiving a foot of a cyclist, and a heel is pivotable relative to the sole by way of a lower portion of the heel being connected to the heel section of the sole. An upper portion of the heel can be rotated between selectable bistable open and closed positions by rotating the heel about a pivot area of the lower heel portion. In the closed position, the cyclist's foot can be secured to the cycling shoe using a fastening system that includes connecting elements extending from the heel and at least one tensioning device on the upper that cooperates with the connecting elements. The connecting elements can be adjusted such that the heel is in tension with the upper with a cyclist's foot therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: Cleat structures, e.g., for football shoes, may include: (a) a cleat base; (b) a cleat free end; and (c) a concave side edge and at least two additional side edges extending between the cleat base and the cleat free end. Such cleats may be incorporated into sole structures (e.g., outsole components) that have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The cleats and base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe that includes: a bottom surface that is adjacent to the ground in normal use; a sole that forms at least a portion of the bottom surface; an upper portion extending above the sole; and individual particles bonded to the bottom surface of the shoe. The individual particles include at least one of corn husk, hemp or a natural plant material that has been ground into the individual particles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a costume style shoe body and a manufacturing method thereof, the costume style shoe body comprising a main body, an insole, and an outsole. The main body is formed by designing the shoe style and then making a new mold, and cutting the shoe material into a predetermined shape, wherein a main body sole is formed to be fully waterproof by machine sewing the insole and the outsole together, the shoe surface of the main body having a plurality of flaps around the main body and extended upward from the main body sole, wherein the plurality of flaps forms a container portion with an opening by machine sewing, the opening is disposed with a fastening portion having buckles designed with a costume style or a shoe lace of a selected color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular to a sports shoe, which has a shoe upper part and a sole which is connected to the shoe upper part, wherein the shoe upper part having two tensioning sections which are arranged adjacently in a tensioning region and are separated by a gap, wherein a fastening system is arranged by which the shoe can be fastened to the foot of the wearer of the shoe by a fastening lace as a result of the adjacently arranged tensioning sections being drawn towards one another. In order to improve the tension of the shoe on the foot of the wearer, the fastening system includes, in addition to the fastening lace, at least one tie element which has two ends, and wherein a loop of the at least one tie element formed in the region of the tensioning section being enlaced by the fastening lace.

Abstract: A cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a base layer that attaches to the outsole of the footwear, a cushioning layer and a traction element layer. The traction element layer is attached to the base layer solely by the cushioning layer. Each of the cleat layers provides friction with the ground when the cleat engages the ground. The durometer of the base layer and the durometer of the traction element layer are greater than the durometer of the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A button includes a button body that is placed over a first main surface of a sheet having the first main surface and a second main surface opposing to the first main surface, the button body having a hole over the first main surface; a fixing member including a base that is placed over the second main surface, and a shaft that projects from the base and passes through the hole from the second main surface towards the first main surface side, in which a distal portion of the shaft includes: a plate-like base portion provided over the button body and covering the hole; and a plurality of ribs integrally formed with the base portion and onto a surface of the base portion, and radially extending from a center to a circumference of the base portion.

Abstract: Open-ended slide fasteners that are watertight and/or airtight. The slide fasteners include box and pin mechanisms integrated with the slide fastener and configured to compress the tape edges and create a water and air tight seal, thus eliminating the need for installing a separate component after the slide fastener has been manufactured.

Abstract: A progressive compressive zipper for attaching an at least partially compressible first component, such as a foam-core punching or training bag, to a second component, such as a weighted base. The first component has a first zipper half that encircles the first component near, but not adjacent to, the surface along which it connects to the second component and then angles downward toward the connecting surface, forming a ramp. The second component has a corresponding second zipper half attached to its connecting surface. A user may place the first component against the second component and zip the first zipper half and the second zipper half together, starting with the ramp. As the zipper is engaged, the first component is compressed against the second component due to the angle of the ramp.

Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener. A pair of core sections are respectively provided along opposing tape side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes. A pair of fastener element rows are respectively attached to the pair of core sections. Each of the pair of fastener element rows includes a plurality of fastener elements made of metal. Silica is applied to surfaces of the core sections and the fastener elements.

Abstract: A wearable device is provided with a wearable device structure. The wearable device has a first end and a second end, each with a plurality of magnets. The first and second ends are coupled by overlapping at least a portion of the first end magnets to at least a portion of the second end magnets. The magnets can be exposed to a temperature range of 200° F. to 400° F. during, processing, cleaning and/or manufacturing of the wearable device. ID circuitry is provided at a surface or an interior of the wearable device.