Abstract: Composition and method for treating and/or preventing biological contamination using a biocide composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound and urea. The method includes drying urea, and thereafter combining at least one quaternary ammonium compound and urea and may produce a potent biocide composition that is stable and able to chemically treat biological contamination in a variety of difficult to reach locations. Uses of the composition are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing lignin-based matrix microparticles for the controlled release of an agricultural active includes forming an emulsion of an organic solution in an aqueous solution, wherein the organic solution contains a lignin derivative and an agricultural active in a volatile organic solvent and the aqueous solution contains an emulsifier; and removing the organic solvent, thereby producing microparticles having a matrix comprising the lignin derivative within which the agricultural active is distributed. Small, spherical lignin-based matrix microparticles that release an agricultural active at a controlled rate are described, as are plants and plant propagation materials that are treated with such microparticles.

Abstract: The invention provides for a low pH disinfectant composition that includes a relatively low amount of alcohol. Also provided is an article of manufacture that includes a textile and the composition, as well as methods of using the composition and article of manufacture (e.g., for reducing the number of microbes located upon a substrate, for killing or inhibiting a broad spectrum of microorganisms, for killing or inhibiting spore forming bacteria, and/or for disinfecting a substrate). The composition can optionally include a stable residual antimicrobial compound, thereby providing a combination of high-level disinfection and long-lasting residual effect.

Abstract: The novel active compound combinations comprising 2-[2-(1-chlorocyclopropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione of the formula and the active compound of groups (1) to (24) listed in the description have very good fungicidal properties.

Abstract: A method for electrolytically generating a biocide, including providing a brine solution carrier fluid; providing a vessel for creating a first passageway and a second passageway, flowing the carrier fluid through the vessel; applying an electric potential to the electrodes to produce an anolyte fluid, an anolyte gas, a catholyte fluid, and a catholyte gas in the vessel; removing the anolyte fluid, anolyte gas, catholyte fluid, and catholyte gas from the vessel; mixing a portion of the anolyte gas with the catholyte fluid to produce ozone gas and hypochlorite bleach mixture; re-circulating the ozone gas with the ozone gas and hypochlorite bleach mixture; mixing the anolyte fluid with the hypochlorite bleach solution; mixing a chlorite brine with the hypochlorite bleach solution to produce a chlorite brine/hypochlorite bleach solution mixture; and mixing the anolyte fluid with the chlorite brine/hypochlorite bleach solution mixture to the produce the biocide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for efficiently producing and delivering double stranded RNA (dsRNA) are provided. Vector constructs useful for in vitro and in vivo expression of dsRNA are described. Also described are cell expression systems for efficient and cost-effective production of dsRNA in living cells and methods and compositions for providing the expressed dsRNA to target organisms. The described compositions and methods can be used to produce RNA molecules for screening or other uses, and to amplify RNA sequences for analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sterilization agent for livestock bedding or a composting accelerator for organic waste or livestock bedding, comprising at least one Bacillus coagulans thermophilic bacterium or a combination of the at least one Bacillus coagulans thermophilic bacterium and at least one Bacillus subtilis mesophilic bacterium, as an active ingredient, wherein the Bacillus coagulans thermophilic bacterium as a preferable bacterium is viable at a temperature of 40 to 60° C. and the Bacillus subtilis mesophilic bacterium is viable at a temperature of 30 to 50° C., and the mesophilic bacterium also has a sterilizing effect on harmful bacteria in bedding; and to a method for sterilizing livestock bedding or a method for accelerating composting of organic waste or livestock bedding by using these agents each as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for disinfection or infection control against a non-enveloped virus using a composition including, as an active ingredient, a persimmon extract containing tannin from an astringent fruit of a plant of the genus Diospyros, such as the plant Diospyros kaki. The non-enveloped virus is a non-enveloped virus belonging to the genus Betanodavirus, Aquavirnavirus, Ranavirus, Enterovirus, Mastadenovirus, Vesivirus, or Rotavirus. In certain embodiments, the persimmon extract is prepared by heating a squeezed juice or an extract from an astringent fruit of a plant of the genus Diospyros, or obtained by treating a squeezed juice or an extract from an astringent fruit of the plant of the genus Diospyros with an alcohol, in order to inactivate an enzyme contained therein. The persimmon extract may also contain at least condensed tannin.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a 4-hydroxydihydrochalcone of the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 each, independently, represent H, OH or O-alkyl, with the proviso that at least one of the groups R1, R2 or R3 represents OH, a salt of such a 4-hydroxydihydrochalcone of the formula (I), a mixture containing or consisting of two or more different 4-hydroxydihydrochalcones of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each defined in the way given above, a mixture containing or consisting of salts of two or more different 4-hydroxydihydrochalcones of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each defined in the way given above or a mixture containing or consisting of a 4-hydroxydihydrochalcone of the formula (I) or two or more different 4-hydroxydihydrochalcones of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each defined in the way given above, and a salt of a 4-hydroxydihydrochalcone of the formula (I) or two or more salts of different 4-hydroxydihydrochalcones of the formula

Abstract: A production method for an encrusted food in that filling is encrusted with dough is comprised of: disposing a plurality of shutter pieces on a flange having an opening, each of which has a pressure face facing the opening; transporting the dough onto the flange; by a linkage, driving the shutter pieces synchronously to press the pressure faces on a periphery portion of the dough; pressing the dough on the flange against a nozzle so as to catch the periphery portion of the dough between the flange and a shoulder of the nozzle and squeeze the periphery portion of the dough into a gap between an outer periphery of the nozzle and the pressure faces; expelling the filling through the nozzle onto the dough on the flange to bulge the dough out of the opening; detaching the dough from the nozzle; and gathering the periphery portion by the pressure faces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for making dough-based bakery foods, such as bread having extended mold-free shelf-lives, using new antimicrobial powders comprising an antimicrobial agent dispersed in a carrier. The invention is also directed to methods and compositions for preparing dough-based bakery products, such as bread, having long mold-free shelf-lives, by treating the surface of the dough with the antimicrobial powder. Further, the invention is concerned with bakery products having long, mold-free and anti-staling shelf-lives.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the form of suspension of sausages from a stick includes: a pressing member for pressing against the stick two sausages which are at an uppermost position of a sausage loop suspended from the stick; and a moving mechanism for supporting the pressing member at a position where the pressing member is capable of pressing the two sausages and for causing the pressing member to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the stick. The pressing member has two pressing surfaces for downwardly pressing the two sausages which are positioned on both sides in the horizontal direction with respect to a center of the stick, the pressing being effected at positions which are spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the stick and are on both sides of the stick in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A container and dispenser apparatus for sliced fruit stores, cools, and dispenses sliced wedges of fruit such as lemons. The apparatus includes a housing. A first interior wall extends through an interior space of the housing defining a fruit holding chamber. The fruit holding chamber is configured for holding a plurality of fruit wedges therein. An output opening is formed in the fruit holding chamber. The output opening is configured to receive the fruit wedges therethrough. A base is coupled to the housing. An input opening is positioned in the base. The input opening is aligned with the output opening such that the base is configured to receive the fruit wedges from the fruit holding chamber.

Abstract: Provided are: tofu-like food and soy milk containing fibrous material, each of which has good texture and flavor and enables simultaneous intake of almost all of nutritional components in soybeans, such as proteins, lipids, glucides, fibrous material, minerals, vitamin components, and isoflavone compounds. Also provided is a process for producing soy milk containing fibrous material, which comprises the steps of: (A) dissolving and dispersing dehulled soybean powdery material having a nitrogen solubility index of 75 to 90, a lipoxygenase value of 30 to 120, an n-hexanal content of 0.5 ppm to 2 ppm, and a peroxide value of 0.2 meq/kg to 3.0 meq/kg in water to obtain dispersion; (B) subjecting the dispersion to heat treatment at 120° C. to 160° C. for 1 to 600 seconds; and (C) after the step (B), cooling the dispersion to 100° C. or lower and subjecting the resultant dispersion to emulsification and dispersion treatment under a pressure of 25 MPa to 200 MPa to produce soy milk containing fibrous material.

Abstract: A chewing gum tablet including at least two cohered chewing gum modules, the tableted chewing gum being formed by compression of chewing gum granules, at least one of the chewing gum modules including gum base granules, the gum base granules including an elastomer system, the chewing gum tablet including an elastomer system in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tablet. A compressed chewing gum tablet has been obtained featuring extremely impressing abilities of incorporating well-defined amounts of chewing gum ingredients combined with acceptable rheological properties of the compete tablet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microparticles and methods of making such microparticles that protect a bioactive substance from heat, humidity and oxidation. A microparticle comprising a bioactive substance, an agglomerating agent, an emulsifier and solid fats is disclosed. A method to produce a microparticle comprising an agglomerated bioactive substance enrobed in a double layer of solid fats and emulsifier is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of a food product in a container is described. The apparatus can be cleanable, portable, and fully automated. It can include a main container for holding the food product and one or more other containers for holding a substance, such as liquid. The main container can be moved between the one or more other containers so that the food product is immersed in the substance (e.g., liquid) in the one or more other containers. Any of the containers can be heated to heat the food product. This movement of the main container can be used run fully automated cycles (e.g., sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, cleaning, etc.) that do not require user interaction.

Abstract: A fresh potato preservative and method of using the preservative for fresh cut potatoes that significantly extend the shelf life of fresh cut potatoes are provided. The fresh potato preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, and color of the fresh potatoes, particularly exposed surfaces of the fresh potatoes that have been cut, in particular by reducing oxidation of the exposed cut surfaces of the potatoes. The preservative includes the ingredients of sodium chloride, citric acid, ascorbic acid, calcium chloride, sodium acid pyrophosphate, potassium sorbate and a protein-based composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides agent for enhancing egg aroma comprising at least one component(s) as an ingredient selected from the group consisting of: (a) 3-(methylthio)1-propanol, (b) benzaldehyde, (c) 4-heptanol, (d) trimethylpyrazine, (e) methylpyrazine, or (f) 2,5-dimethylpyrazine. The agent of the present invention is used for enhancing egg aroma, especially an egg flavor, of an egg product. The examples of preferred egg products to which the present invention is applied include, but not limited to, a boiled egg itself, various food products using a boiled egg (for example, tartar sauce, prepared bread filling, and so on), various food products containing an egg as a component (for example, mayonnaise, dressing, pasta sauce, Japanese omelette, steamed egg custard, steamed egg hotchpotch, omelette, quiche, rolled omelette, noodles, fried rice, custard cream, pudding, cake, sponge cake, ice cream, egg (custard) tart, bread, crape, and so on).

Abstract: A method of extracting sweet compounds from stevia plant powder includes mixing stevia powder and deionized water to create a stevia powder slurry, filtering the slurry and adding it to an extraction column, adding an ethanol solution to create an elute, mixing the elute with activated charcoal and filtering the elute, removing the ethanol and water from the elute, and spraying the elute to produce the sweet compounds.

Abstract: A treatment material containing carbon monoxide and a carrier liquid is applied to a meat product to produce a desired carbon monoxide content in the meat product. The concentration of carbon monoxide in the added liquid produces a desired carbon monoxide saturation level distributed substantially evenly in the treated area of the meat product. The treated area may be just at the surface of the meat product or throughout the volume of the meat product. Additional treatment liquids or fluids may be added to the meat product as a pre-treatment before application of the carbon monoxide bearing treatment material or as a post-treatment after the application of the carbon monoxide bearing treatment material.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary compositions, products, and capsules utilizing POA, EPA, blends of POA and EPA, total algal oil compositions, and/or whole biomass compositions in methods of inhibiting inflammation including in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, metabolic syndromes, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and/or cancer. The exemplary compositions, products, and capsules may be orally, topically, intravenously, and/or subcutaneously administered. The exemplary compositions herein may be used as feed, food, food supplements, beverages, beverage supplements, nutritional products, products for athletic performance, pharmaceutical products, and/or medical products for mammalian use, including humans.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide is injected into the interior of the meat product along with one or more pH modifying materials to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level. The amount of carbon monoxide in the added fluid is controlled to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level distributed substantially evenly throughout the treated volume of the meat product. This desired saturation level may vary depending upon the nature of the meat product being treated, however, the saturation level will generally remain at less than 100% or complete saturation for most meat products. The pH modifying material is injected into the interior of the meat product either simultaneously with the carbon monoxide, or as a pre-treatment before application of carbon monoxide, or as a post-treatment after the application of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (fruit) juices and nectars formulations, comprising (LC)-PUFA's, which do not have the characteristic fish taste of the (long chain) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a base material, which comprises PUFA and ?-carotene and the use of such a base material to produce a (fruit) juice or (fruit) nectar formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for improving nitrogenous acid (e.g., creatine) solubility, and products made by the method.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage prepared from dealcoholized wine base and having from about 150 mg to about 700 mgs of polyphenols per six to eight ounce serving. The beverage can contain from about 0.001 to about 0.01 percent resveratrol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of a plant material with anti-fatigue activity, its preparation method, usage and related products. The said composition is manufactured from the following plant materials: 20-80% from the genus Rhodiola; 10-60% Gynostemma; 10-60% Lycium. The said composition can be used to manufacture health product, food or anti-fatigue medicine which is able to significantly reduce the fatigue symptoms of those people suffering from fatigue, improve sleeping quality with no impact on normal body physiology. It is shown that the medicine derived from the present is invention exerts its anti-fatigue effect through improving the functions of erythrocytes and thrombocytes to enhance the body's ability of supplying oxygen. The medicinal composition of the present invention is characterized by the small effective dose and good water solubility and thus suitable to be made into a variety of dosage forms for use.

Abstract: A holding cabinet includes a body defining a holding space and a holding compartment disposed within the holding space for holding a product therein. The holding cabinet further includes a heating source, a steam generator, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a product detector, and a controller. The controller is configured to regulate environmental conditions of the holding compartment according to a determined setpoint, which corresponds to a predetermined temperature and relative humidity.

Abstract: Citrus juice machine with a fruit feed chute, fruit cutting and squeezing means and a peel collection tray. The cutting and squeezing means have a fruit reception cup, located below the fruit feed chute; devices to initiate the rotation of the cup between a vertical fruit reception position and an inverted position; a horizontal tilting blade facing the rotating trajectory of the cup to cut the fruit in an upper and lower half; a retaining stop for the upper half of the fruit; a ramp to support the lower half of the fruit during the rotation of the cup from its vertical position to an inverted position; a squeezing ball located below the cup.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming tobacco rod portions of a smoking article. A conveyor unit is configured to receive a continuous stream of the tobacco material and to transport the continuous tobacco material stream along an elongate path for formation of the continuous tobacco material stream into a continuous tobacco rod, wherein the conveyor unit is housed in a conveyor housing. A suction system is in fluid communication with the conveyor housing through a suction port and is configured to apply suction to the conveyor housing via the suction port so as to draw the continuous tobacco stream into engagement with the conveyor unit. A wear resistant member is engaged with a wall of the conveyor housing and defines the suction port, wherein the wear resistant member is configured to resist wear from interaction with particles associated with the tobacco material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a handheld waterpipe for smoking, with a spill resistant water chamber. The central chamber may be formed as an enlarged tube having closed upper and lower ends. An upper tube extends from a top opening through the upper end and a lower tube extends from an upper opening inside the central chamber through the lower end. An inner chamber is formed inside the central chamber around the lower tube. One or more small openings are formed between the inner chamber and the central chamber. When liquid is placed into the central chamber, it passes through the small openings to form a continuous body of liquid between the two chambers. If the central chamber is tipped, the liquid resides within the chamber in a space between the upper and lower tubes and a sidewall of the central chamber, thereby preventing spilling.

Abstract: Provided is filter unit for a vaporization pipe having improved reliability and manufacturability and lower cost. The present filter unit comprises a wooden filter housing with a through hole. A metal insert fitting is press fit into the hole. A ceramic foam flame filter is disposed inside the insert fitting. The insert fitting preferably has a step ledge for supporting the ceramic foam filter. The metal fitting preferably has a flange (external to the wood filter housing) for improving the stability of the mechanical connection between the insert fitting and filter housing. This design allows for fast assembly with a minimum of labor. Stress and damage to the wood is minimized. The filter housing can have a vertical/longitudinal wood grain direction (parallel with the filter housing hole), thereby reducing the cost of the wood parts and improving the finished appearance.

Abstract: A pre-packed tobacco insert device facilitates packing and clean up of tobacco smoked using a hookah. The device includes a bowl having a bottom surface and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface defining an interior space. A plurality of apertures extends through the bottom surface of the bowl and pre-packed tobacco is positioned within the interior space. A conduit has an upper end in fluid communication with the interior space of the bowl and an open lower end configured for coupling to the input pipe of a hookah. A cover is coupled to an upper edge of the perimeter wall of the bowl. A plurality of holes extends through the cover wherein the cover is configured for providing ambient air flow into the interior space of the bowl when a user inhales through the hookah.

Abstract: A container configured to hold one or more units of a product is provided. The container may include a lid and a base. The lid may include a top wall and one or more lid sidewalls extending to a lower lip. The base may include a bottom wall and one or more base sidewalls extending to an upper lip. A channel may be defined at the one or more base sidewalls that extend around the perimeter of the base. A sealing member may be received in the channel. The sealing member may be configured to engage an inner surface of the one or more lid sidewalls when the lid is coupled to the base. Thereby, a storage compartment defined by the base may be sealed shut. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A three dimensional component for a costume, intended to simulate a three-dimensional body part or other object, comprises an inner soft or cushiony layer of foam, an outer fabric layer, a graphic printed upon the outer layer, and a sonic or ultra high frequency welding of the outer layer to the cushiony layer along the lines defined by the graphic. The sonic well will compress the foam to the fabric and the non-compressed foam and fabric sections will visually and physically provide relatively three dimensional areas.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an affixing structure of a connector is configured to attach to an affixing structure interface of a portable electronic device that is configured to also couple to an attachment member. A connector plug including conductors coupled to an electrical conduit is coupled to the affixing structure. The conductors are configured to electrically connect to one or more electric components of the portable electronic device and the electrical conduit is configured to electrically connect to one or more diagnostic devices. In some embodiments, an attachment member may include one or more electronic components and spring pins or other conductors connectable to a wearable device. The attachment member additionally includes a connector operable to connect the wearable device to another electronic device.

Abstract: A reversible bridesmaid dress, evening gown or evening dress with a hem facing that allows the dress to have one color or pattern on one side and another color or pattern on the other side. When the dress is flipped inside out, it has a completely different appearance than on the other side. The reversible dress can come in a variety of different shapes, types and sizes. The long dresses can bubble up to short ones, and dresses of different colors and lengths may be created from a single reversible dress.

Abstract: A pair of protective gloves each glove having a glove body with finger portions that can be preselectively webbed together or each finger can be kept separated. The gloves are capable of withstanding heat, cold, puncture, shock and other similar hazards. One of the gloves includes an engagement member such as a magnetic member on the inner wrist portion of the glove that cooperates with an anchoring member on the inner wrist portion of the opposite glove that can be made of a ferromagnetic material to attract both gloves to each other. Once attracted a user can use a lip on the anchoring member to leverage his hands out of the gloves, thereby preventing the user from having to come in contact with the outside of the glove bodies when donning and doffing the gloves. Optionally, the wrist portions of the glove assemblies can be fitted with a zipper to keep the interior cavity of the gloves sealed while being washed.

Abstract: A glove sized and shaped to enclose a human hand, the medical glove having a two-layer cuff, the two layers being fixed to one another at a plurality of locations to define a plurality of spaced apart openings in the cuff, the openings accessible only outside the glove.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed. In one embodiment, an article of apparel includes a front panel, a pouch attached to the front panel, a pocket disposed between the pouch and the front panel, and a closure that allows a first end of the pocket to be selectively opened and closed. The pocket includes a second end opposite the first end and a body joining the first and second ends. The pocket is attached to the pouch and the front panel.

Abstract: A novel assembly for a hat comprised of removably coupled socks, fabric panels, gloves, and/or mittens. The present disclosure relates generally to a hat comprised of fully intact, yet selectively removable, socks, fabric panels, gloves, and/or mittens that are connected together by various disclosed methods. The socks, fabric panels, gloves, and/or mittens may be comprised of a variety of materials and styles, and can be coupled together through a number of disclosed combinations to form a winter hat that can be converted to one or more pairs of socks, fabric panels, gloves, and/or mittens.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet can include one or more internally mounted sensors within the motorcycle helmet. The sensors can be positioned within an embedded electronics layer which can include electronic components. The components can include logic processing components. The layer can be sandwiched between an outer shell of the helmet and an inner shell of the helmet. A software program executing within the logic processing components can receive input from the sensors in real-time. The software can automatically execute a programmatic action in response to receiving the input.

Abstract: Articles of footwear may have an upper that includes a knit element and a tongue. The knit element defines a portion of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface defining a void for receiving a foot. The tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element and extends through a throat area of the upper.

Abstract: Multi-pin LEDs are secured to a ribbon assembly with substantially watertight mountings through use of glue while an LED embedded wire is created by electrically connecting together the axial leads of a plurality of axial LEDs with two conductive wires that are wound around the axial leads and then the resultant subassembly is protected and encased by two pieces of tape. Light effect material is spaced apart from LEDs to create a visually interesting light effect through use of microscopic sized structural components that disperse light and create a noticeable optical effect.

Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed. The second sleeve member is open at a forefoot portion and at a heel portion. The outer assembly includes an aperture on a sidewall of an outer sole portion, where the midsole inserted within the outer assembly is visible through the aperture.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: An item of footwear has first and second portions that slide with respect to each other to allow the user to easily put the footwear on and take the footwear off. The footwear may be opened and closed without requiring the user to bend over and manipulate closure mechanisms with his hands. The footwear allows a person's foot to be readily inserted and removed from the footwear when the footwear is open while being secured within the footwear when the footwear is closed.

Abstract: A sole member for an article of footwear includes a composite sole structure and a reinforcing member. The sole structure may comprise two layers of woven composite material. The two layers have substantially similar woven patterns. The sole structure includes bulging portions with centrally recessed portions. The reinforcing member fits into channels associated with the bulging portions.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A removable cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a disc with opposing faces. A shoe coupling element is attached to one face of the disc. The other disc face supports a cushioning layer. Traction elements are supported by 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.