Abstract: There is provided pet food including a core and a covering portion, in which the ratio of the hardness of the covering portion to the core is 2 or greater.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an animal feed nutritional supplement composition, methods of making the composition, and methods of using the composition. Generally, the animal feed nutritional supplement includes a core material at least partially coated with free fatty acid. Typically, the animal feed supplement composition melts when heated.

Abstract: A medical food is provided. The medical food is configured specifically for those having chronic liver disease to provide for specific nutritional requirements caused by the chronic liver disease. In some cases, the medical food contemplated herein may achieve reversal of liver fibrosis.

Abstract: A nutritional composition containing a plant food and a mineral food, where the plant food includes at least one of aloe, green algae, red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, kelp, kombu, hijiki, nori, arame, sea palm, bladderwrack, wakame, dulse, carrageenan, fungi, and bacteria. The mineral food includes at least one of shilajit, humic acid, fulvic acid, bentonite clay, charcoal, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, fossilized remains, rocks, gems, sodium chloride, sea salt, and derivatives or combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the composition, the plant food is a juice of aloe vera and the mineral food is fulvic acid.

Abstract: This invention is a is a pasteurizing device and method based on microwave heating of a food or beverage in a container. The device is a lid and container comprising a pressure release device that allows excess pressure to be released as water vapors evaporate and cause pressure buildup during microwave heating. It includes additional devices to enhance the approach such as an insulating cuzie that reduces temperature gradients in the food or beverage.

Abstract: A system for the heat treatment of industrial quantities of food or pharmaceutical articles. The system includes an oblong enclosure that is sealed and can be pressurised and having a median longitudinal axis and an inlet for the injection of a heat transfer fluid, an inlet door for the insertion of articles, a support for the articles, which support can be arranged along the median longitudinal axis, such that the articles are placed inside a central space in the enclosure, a defined lateral space being provided between the enclosure and the central space. The enclosure includes an agitation means for agitating the heat transfer fluid, which means is arranged laterally in relation to the central space, in the lateral space located between the enclosure and the central space, to allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in a longitudinal direction parallel to the median longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing an antimicrobial solution, involving dissolving nisin in hydrochloric acid and adding an ionic chelator solution to form a base solution, heating the base solution, adding sodium lactate to the base solution, followed by adding sorbic acid to the base solution, heating the base solution, followed by adding hydrogen peroxide to the base solution, followed by adding citric acid to the base solution, followed by heating the base solution, followed by adjusting the pH of the base solution to about 5.0±0.2 with a base. Also disclosed are antimicrobial solutions and/or anti-browning solutions produced by the methods described herein. Furthermore, there are disclosed methods for reducing bacteria on produce and/or minimizing enzymatic browning of produce, involving contacting the produce with an effective bacterial reducing amount and/or an effective enzymatic browning minimizing amount of the antimicrobial solution described herein.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of inhibiting the outgrowth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in high moisture (65-80% by weight) and low salt (<2.0% by weight) nutrient dense environments with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. The application of an organic acid or its salt with a fermentation derived antimicrobial peptide offers a robust solution to curtail growth of spores and vegetative cells without the need for chemicals such as sodium nitrite or nitrate.

Abstract: Perishable products, such as food products, can be preserved by cooling to temperatures below their freezing point without ice crystallization. In some embodiments, the perishable product is cooled to temperatures below the freezing point of water while a pulsed electric field and oscillating magnetic field are applied to the product. Apparatus for supercooling perishable products are also provided and include a pulsed electric field generator and an oscillating magnetic field generator.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of preparing a palatability enhancer for a food composition comprising: a) combining an animal fat, one or more edible agents, an alkaline agent and water at a temperature of up to 45° C. to form a mixture, wherein the edible agents are selected from amino acids, sugars, vitamins, flavorants and flavor precursors, b) heating the mixture to a temperature of 96° C. to 99° C. for at least 35 minutes, and c) obtaining a palatability enhancer from the mixture, wherein the palatability enhancer comprises animal fat in an amount of at least about 80 wt %, and wherein the method is conducted under ambient pressure. Further provided is a method of enhancing the palatablity of a food composition and a method of reducing the odor of animal fat.

Abstract: Gel-based dessert systems, e.g., pudding systems, and preblend systems include an edible lipid and citrus pulp fiber. One particularly useful dry mix is made by homogenizing a combination that includes citrus pulp fiber, an edible lipid, and water to form a homogenized product. The combination includes 1-20 parts by weight of the lipid for each part by weight of citrus pulp fiber. The homogenized product is then dried to form a dry blend system. It has been found that such a dry blend system can be used to replace shortenings used in puddings and the like to reduce trans and saturated fats while retaining or even improving rheology and stability of the pudding.

Abstract: A marinade for tumbling a meat product, with water and salt as ingredients, the marinade comprising a milk-based ingredient and gelatine; the marinade may further comprise starch and plum extract. The invention also describes a method for manufacturing a meat product by tumbling, with the steps of comminuting the meat into pieces, introducing the comminuted meat pieces into a tumbling device, introducing a marinade of the invention into the tumbling device onto the comminuted meat pieces, and tumbling the meat pieces in the marinade by rotating the tumbling device. Also claimed is a meat product which comprises at least one meat piece and a marinade of the invention absorbed in the meat piece.

Abstract: The invention for which the protection is requested consists of a procedure for extracting a flavoring without caloric value based on sugar cane concentrates of the intermediate honeys and molasses obtained from sugar extraction by the sugar mills, which is mixed with artificial high yield sweeteners, where said additive provides said high yield sweeteners with the flavor of sugar cane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid formulation comprising a carotenoid producing source bioorganism, which is storage stable, as well as the process of production of this formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of high levels of allulose in food and beverage products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a nutritional composition having a low amount of protein, such as less than 1.8 g/100 kcal for administration to infants of non-obese and non-overweight mothers so as to reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, increased weight gain, increased fat deposition, overweight, obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus later in said infant's life.

Abstract: A strainer device that collects a filtered object even when the strainer device is used with an object to be strained that is low in water content and highly adhesive, via softening by heating in superheated steam. The strainer device has an inner surface that is circular in cross section, surrounds a strainer vessel, and is supported so as to be rotatable about a central axis thereof; a scraping member that is disposed at a predetermined position along the inner surface of the cover body and scrapes the filtered object adhering to the inner surface when the cover body is rotating; the strainer vessel and the cover body rotate. When the strainer vessel is rotating, the filtered object pushes out of the filtering hole and adhers to the inner surface of the cylindrical cover body and is scraped off at the predetermined position on a circumference along the inner surface.

Abstract: Operating a strainer using centrifugal force generated by the rotation of a bottomed cylindrical vessel having filtering holes in a side surface. The strainer can eliminate the clogging of the filtering holes and maintain the optimal straining effect while maintaining the optimal pressure and duration of pressing food ingredients. The strainer catches a filtrate discharged through the filtering holes of the bottomed cylindrical vessel to the outside of the vessel while rotating the bottomed cylindrical vessel, which contains an object to be strained input therein, in a predetermined rotation direction at a first rotation speed, rotating the rotary pressers in the same rotation direction as the bottomed cylindrical vessel at a second rotation speed different from the first rotation speed of the bottomed cylindrical vessel by a predetermined speed difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forming device for forming and partitioning a pasty food strand as well as to a filling machine with a respective forming device and to a method. The forming device comprises more than two flat displacement elements superposed in the direction of transport of the food strand, each having at least one opening through which the food strand can be moved in the direction of transport. The forming device further comprises a movement mechanism for moving the flat displacement elements on respective curved paths, such that the respective openings can move relative to each other, so that the cross-sectional area of the resulting overall opening of the superposed openings changes.

Abstract: A method of dosing a popping chamber with a predetermined quantity of bulk starch material comprises placing bulk material into a feed hopper, positioning a dosing plate and a shuttle plate into a charging position relative to the seal plate, and positioning the dosing plate and the shuttle plate into a dosing position relative to the popping chamber and to the seal plate. The dosing position is characterized by alignment of the dosing apertures and the shuttle apertures and misalignment of the seal plate apertures and the dosing apertures such that the bulk material retained in the dosing apertures in the charging position flows through the dosing apertures and the shuttle apertures into the popping chamber in the dosing position and bulk material is not flowable through the seal plate apertures into the dosing apertures in the dosing position.

Abstract: A 3D printing device, which is adapted to print a second object on a first object. The 3D printing device includes a body, a 3D printing unit, a sensor unit, a storage unit, a control unit and a carrier plate. The control unit is electrically connected to the 3D printing unit, the storage unit and the sensor unit. The storage unit stores initial coordinates, and the initial coordinates correspond to an initial printing position of the 3D printing unit. The carrier plate is located at a bottom of the body and has a ocular mark. The first object is adapted to be placed on the carrier plate. The sensor unit senses a height of the first object relative to the carrier plate, and the control unit drives the 3D printing unit to print the second object on the first object according to the height and the initial coordinates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for moulding products from a mass of food stuff, comprising: —moving a mould cavity, which is part of a mould member past a feed channel which fills the mass into the cavity, wherein the feed channel is connected to a feed pump which pumps the mass through the feed channel into the cavities. —determining and/or detecting the position of the mould cavity relative to the feed channel, controlling the desired set pressure of the pump.

Abstract: A nicotine liquid formulation comprising nicotine, an acid, and a biologically acceptable liquid carrier, wherein heating an amount of said nicotine liquid formulation using low temperature electronic vaporization device, i.e. an electronic cigarette, generates an inhalable aerosol, and wherein at least about 50% of said acid in said amount is in said aerosol, and wherein at least about 90% of said nicotine in said amount is in said aerosol.

Abstract: Methods of forming cellulosic sugars from the stalk or roots of a plant of the Nicotiana species are provided herein, the methods including i) receiving a tobacco material including at least one of a stalk material and a root material of a harvested plant of the Nicotiana species; ii) delignifying the tobacco material to form a tobacco-derived pulp; and iii) hydrolyzing the tobacco-derived pulp to form a hydrolyzed tobacco product including residual solids and a liquid including at least one tobacco-derived cellulosic sugar. A cellulosic sugar derived from hydrolyzed tobacco material including at least one of a tobacco stalk material and a tobacco root material of a harvested plant of the Nicotiana species is also provided herein. Tobacco products incorporating the cellulosic sugars derived from hydrolyzed tobacco material or products derived from the cellulosic sugar are also provided.

Abstract: The subject of the application is a device which supports mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry in a transport channel, having at least two segments (2, 3) connected by a connecting element (4), characterised in that the segments (2) are provided with positioning means (7, 8) which mate with the elements of the conveyor to set the position of the supporting device relative to the elements of the conveyor (5a, 5b).

Abstract: Described are paper wrappers and smoking articles that can include the paper wrappers. The paper wrapper can include a weak organic acid or salt thereof. The addition of the weak organic acid or salt thereof to the paper wrapper can enhance the sensory characteristics of a smoking article that includes the paper wrapper. For instance, the addition of the weak organic acid can enhance the taste and/or smell of a smoking article that includes the paper wrapper.

Abstract: A method of inserting elongate elements positioned in end-to-end relationship into a continuous resilient flexible sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has a wall that extends around and partially encloses the elongate elements to hold them in position within the sleeve and the wall has a longitudinally extending opening configured to enable a user to make contact with elongate elements held by said sleeve, through the opening, to push them along the sleeve towards, and out of one end of the sleeve. The insertion method includes continuously feeding the sleeve through a member that deforms a region of the sleeve to enlarge the opening and simultaneously feeding a continuous length of elongate elements positioned in end-to-end relationship into the sleeve through the enlarged opening in said region so that the sleeve closes around the elongate elements when it travels beyond said member.

Abstract: A method for assessing the acceptability of product filter rods, filters or filter elements which include a longitudinally extending core of filtering material including a longitudinal channel extending from an end of the core.

Abstract: There is provided a smoking article comprising a filter. The filter comprises a hollow tube having an inner surface. The filter further comprises a flow restrictor disposed in the hollow tube, and adapted to divert at least a portion of the flow of mainstream smoke between an outer surface of the restrictor and the inner surface of the hollow tube. Furthermore, the filter comprises a retaining element disposed downstream of the flow restrictor, the retaining element having one or more openings. Each of the openings of the retaining element has at least one cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the flow restrictor to prevent the flow restrictor from moving downstream of the retaining element. The flow restrictor is substantially spherical, at least one cross-sectional dimension of the one or more openings of the retaining element being smaller than the diameter of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: There is provided a smoking article (100) incorporating an additive delivery system. The additive delivery system comprises a frangible capsule (110) comprising a breakable shell containing a liquid core. The shell can be broken by means of a pressure to release a single burst of the liquid core. Further, the additive delivery system comprises a sustained-release liquid delivery material (111) comprising a liquid composition. The liquid composition is releasable in discrete amounts from the liquid delivery material upon compression of the liquid delivery material so as to selectively combine the first and second additive. The frangible capsule and the sustained-release liquid delivery material are spaced apart, such that a consumer can separately and selectively activate the release of additive from either component of the delivery system.

Abstract: An activated carbon substrate which is pre-treated to make an exposed surface of the activated carbon substrate substantially hydrophilic, coated with a carbon precursor to form a coated activated carbon, and then the coated activated carbon substrate is heated to carbonize the carbon precursor to from the modified activated carbon. The modified activated carbon comprises a uniform porous carbon membrane formed on an exposed surface of the activated carbon substrate. The carbon membrane can mediate the absorption and/or adsorption kinetics of the activated carbon substrate. The modified activated carbon, which can be incorporated into one or more components of a cigarette, can selectively remove gaseous constituents from mainstream smoke during smoking.

Abstract: Smoking devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using smoking devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hookah with a hookah body that is hollow and having a smoke chamber therewithin. A stem tube is inserted into the hookah body and extends through the smoke chamber. A hose is connected to the bottom end of the hookah body and a purge valve is attached to the top end of the hookah body. The purge valve allows stale smoke from the smoke chamber to be pushed outside without pushing out fresh smoke or leaving behind stale smoke within the smoke chamber. The unique location of the purge valve relative to the hose connection allows the stale smoke to be effectively purged out.

Abstract: A receptacle with a detachable, collapsible handle is provided for. It is constructed out of a receptacle, having a bottom surface and at least one edge; a handle; and an attachment mechanism, wherein said mechanism provides for the removable attachment of the handle to the receptacle. The handle can be extendable, and is optionally equipped with a motor to automatically the extension contraction of this handle. In some embodiments, the handle of the receptacle contains a release mechanism. This can be, for example, a button that disengages an electromagnet, or a lever that disengages a spring clip.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and a battery state display structure thereof. The battery state display structure comprises a light-emitting component and a control system. The light-emitting component is arranged at a battery rod (11) part of the electronic cigarette, comprising multiple light-emitting units arranged along the axial direction of the battery rod (11). The control system is electrically connected to a battery (13) of the electronic cigarette. Light-up positions of the light-emitting units of the light-emitting component are controlled by changes in the voltage or changes in the amperage of the battery (13) while the electronic cigarette is in use. This allows for intuitive display of the state of the battery (13) and allows a user to easily learn of the status of the battery (13) and to make reasonable planning for recharge and use.

Abstract: Testing apparatus comprising an air pump downstream of measuring equipment which measures the characteristics of an inhaler is provided. An induction port upstream of the measuring equipment has an adaptor connected at a first end. The adaptor comprises a through-bore extending through the adaptor from the first end to a second end to receive an inhaler and a bypass channel in communication with the through-bore. The invention also includes a testing method and the adapter.

Abstract: An electric vaporizing chamber is provided as improved and versatile vaporization chamber for use with a vaporizing system. The electric vaporizing chamber provides an enclosure that contains the electric vaporizing chamber. The enclosure utilizes interfacing features for engaging a mouth piece or similar accessory as well as a battery unit or an alternative power source to the electric vaporizing chamber. Within the electric vaporizing chamber is a vaporizing chamber assembly that receives vaporizable material in an internally positioned compartment. The compartment is hard anodized improving heat transmission and facilitating clean up after use. The enclosure contains a plurality of ventilation ports that improve the drawing of vaporized material from the compartment and through a mouth piece or similar accessory. The electric vaporizing chamber is adequately insulated to prevent heat transmission to the enclosure.

Abstract: An electric heating cartridge for dry herb vaporizers has a heating assembly, a battery connector, and a connector insert enclosed by a cartridge sleeve. The battery connector provides a means for attaching the electric heating cartridge to a power source, while a mouthpiece is attached via the connector insert. The heating assembly includes a heating element, a heating chamber, a lower heat insulator, and an upper heat insulator. The heating element is positioned within the heating chamber and powered through the battery connector, wherein herbs are heated within the heating chamber. The heating chamber is positioned in between the lower heat insulator and the upper heat insulator, wherein the lower heat insulator and the upper heat insulator dissipate heat from the heating chamber and the heating element. Ideally, the heating element has a ceramic heater body with at least one heating coil embedded in the heater body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette, including a cartridge and an atomizer device. The cartridge includes a liquid reservoir chamber and liquid outlets for communicating the internal of the liquid reservoir chamber with the outside. The atomizer device includes a liquid reservoir room and liquid inlets for communicating the internal of the liquid reservoir room with the outside. The cartridge is mounted to the atomizer device, and is capable of rotating relatively to the atomizer device between a first position A and a second position B. When the cartridge is located at the first position A, the liquid outlets align with the liquid inlets, to communicate the liquid reservoir chamber with the liquid reservoir room. When the cartridge is located at the second position B, the liquid outlets misalign with the liquid inlets, to disconnect the liquid reservoir chamber with the liquid reservoir room.

Abstract: A method of controlling an aerosol-generating system, and the associated system, are provided. The system includes an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device having a detector configured to detect the presence of the article and to distinguish the article from other articles configured for use with the system, based on a spectroscopic signature of a taggant incorporated within a material of the article. The method includes detecting the presence of the article; determining whether the article includes a taggant; comparing the spectroscopic signature of the detected taggant with a look-up table of taggant spectroscopic signatures corresponding to articles configured for use with the system; preventing activation of the device, including preventing the supply of power to a heating element unless the detected taggant spectroscopic signature corresponds to an article configured for use with the system; and activating the device if the detected signature corresponds to the article.

Abstract: A removable cuff and collar system includes a torso covering including a front side, a back side and a pair of lateral sides extending between the front and back sides. A pair of sleeves each extends outwardly from one of the lateral sides. Each of the sleeves has a terminal end and the torso covering has a neck opening extending therethrough. A plurality of sets of shirt attachments is provided. At least one of the sets is a first color and at least one of the sets is a second color wherein the first and second colors are different colors. Each of the sets includes a collar and a pair of cuffs. A plurality of couplers releasably couple a selected one of the collars to the torso covering adjacent to the neck opening and each of the cuffs to one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A retainable collar stay for a shirt includes an elongated body, at least one resilient member, and at least one barb. The elongated body includes a first side and a second side. The at least one resilient member is fixedly connected to one of the first side and the second side. The at least one barb is fixedly connected to one of the first side and the second side.

Abstract: A two sock system, including an inner sock, and an outer sock surrounding the inner sock, wherein the inner sock and the outer sock include a support band system that prevents movement of the inner sock relative to the outer sock. A method of preventing movement between an inner sock and outer sock in a two sock system, by preventing movement of the inner sock on a user's foot, and preventing movement of the outer sock on the inner sock, wherein the inner sock and outer sock are unattached.

Abstract: A breast cup comprising an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell may have a concave shape selected from a number of available cup sizes. The outer shell may have a convex shape selected from a number of available breast cup sizes.

Abstract: A breast support (12a, 12b) for a garment or garment part is disclosed as including a first piece of elongate resilient material formed by a piece of substantially straight resilient material (16a, 16b) with a first planar major surface, and a second piece of elongate resilient material formed by a piece of arcuate resilient material (14a, 14b) with a second planar major surface (18), an inner arcuate edge (13a, 13b) and an outer arcuate edge (15a, 15b), the first piece of elongate resilient material (16a, 16b) being fixedly engaged and in contact with the second piece of elongate resilient material (14a, 14b) along the whole length of the first piece of elongate resilient material (16a, 16b).

Abstract: A low drag garment is made from a fabric having a textured region with a texture height H, wherein the texture height H increases substantially continuously with the surface angle ? in said textured region. Optionally, the substantially continuous increase in texture height H comprises a plurality of incremental increases in texture height, and wherein each incremental increase in texture height is less than 200 ?m.

Abstract: A low drag garment has a plurality of zones including a first zone A, a second zone B and a third zone C, which are defined in relation to a forward direction of travel M of a person wearing the garment. The first zone A is located generally in an inner front region of the garment, the second zone B is located in an outer front region of the garment and the third zone C is located in a rear region of the garment. The garment is made from a fabric having a textured outer surface with a texture height H, wherein in first zone A the fabric has a mean texture height HA in the range 0-200 ?m, in the second zone B the fabric has a mean texture height HB that is greater than HA and preferably in the range of 100-500 ?m, and in the third zone C the fabric has a mean texture height He that is greater than HB and preferably greater than 200 ?m.

Abstract: Articles including protective gear for a variety of sports and activities provide protection from one or both of linear and angular forces that either directly or indirectly impact the gear when it is donned. The articles include at least two layers of material that provide multimodal energy dissipation to minimize the extent of transmission of impact forces to tissue.

Abstract: A medical garment pant that provides limited but easy access to a patient's buttocks in a manner that offers both coverage and protection includes a garment pant having a crotch seam or backside panel; at least one selectively closable, elongated passageway that spans a longitudinal distance along the crotch seam or backside panel and is adapted for central alignment with a gluteal cleft and anal orifice; and a closure mechanism for selectively closing and opening the elongated passageway. The closure mechanism may include a first joinder and a second joinder that removably join sides of the elongated passageway by coming together at a central location between ends of the elongated passageway.

Abstract: An openable handwear article provides adjustable levels of insulation and exposure of a wearer's hand for cold-weather outdoors activities, and particularly fitness activities. The openable handwear allows a wearer to regulate the temperature and comfort of the wearer's hand and wrist during fitness activities. The openable handwear has one inner chamber shaped to hold a loosely closed hand or a loose fist, and overlapping layers on a palm side to quickly gain practically full use of the hand, optionally without using the other hand to pull back the fabric. Optionally, the overlapping layers form storage pockets to store personal items. The openable handwear can assume at least three or four different configurations to regulate heat, comfort, and usability of the wearer's hand, depending on the outdoor conditions and fitness activity. The configurations include a fully enclosed configuration, a partially opened configuration, and a fully retracted configuration.