Abstract: An apparatus for de-oiling potato slices, the apparatus comprising an elongate longitudinal conveyor having an upstream end and a downstream end, the conveyor being permeable to oil, water and air and being adapted to convey potato slices on the conveyor, a water spray station located towards the upstream end and a plurality of air-blower stations located in succession downstream of the water spray station, the water spray station comprising upper and lower water spray units adapted to spray water downwardly and upwardly, respectively, towards the conveyor, and each air-blower station comprising upper and lower air knife units adapted to direct an air blade downwardly and upwardly, respectively, towards the conveyor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for grouping, recovering, and processing ice obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. In particular, the ice obtained from the ice source is separated and grouped according to common unique properties and processed as a beverage for consumption having the same unique properties. Additionally, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing commodities are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Methods for transferring title and trading commodities in the form of water are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are substantially clear nutritional liquids comprising protein and calcium HMB wherein soluble protein represents from about 65% to 100% by weight of total protein. The liquids have a pH of from about 2.8 to about 4.6 and may be manufactured as a hot fill product. The substantially clear nutritional liquids may also have a weight ratio of calcium HMB to soluble calcium of from 4.5:1 to 7.3:1. In some embodiments, the substantially clear nutritional liquids are substantially free of fat, and may optionally include isomaltulose and/or beta alanine.

Abstract: A device for cooling and flavoring a beverage having an elongated tube with an open first end and an open second end that has a lowered portion is provided. A cap is removably received within the second end and connected to a plunger. The plunger has an elongated shaft that terminates in a tip. The cap has an outward extension that is received in the lowered portion of the elongated tube when the device is in an open position. In the open position the tip extends beyond the open first end allowing liquid to pass through the open first end. In a closed position, the outward extension is not received within the lowered portion and the tip seals the first end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A food product coating apparatus has a main conveyor, a coating-material spreading system for spreading coating material across the main conveyor, and a coating-material recirculation system for recirculating excess-coating material spilling out the discharge end of the main conveyor. The recirculation system has at least one transverse collection conveyor and at least one counter-flow return conveyor, both of which like the main conveyor made of solid web material. The coating-material spreading system comprises a first overhead sifting loader near the intake end and a spaced away second overhead sifting loader. A food-product inflow conveyor transfers an inflow of food product to the main conveyor between the first and second loaders.

Abstract: Methods of curing tobacco that reduce the levels of TSNAs and/or improve leaf quality are described herein.

Abstract: This document provides methods and systems for stabilizing nicotine and incorporating nicotine into one or more oral products. This document also provides oral products. Nicotine can be stabilized by mixing liquid nicotine with cellulosic fiber such that the liquid nicotine absorbs into pores of the cellulosic fiber to form a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture. In some cases, a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture can be combined with one or more binders and molded into an oral product.

Abstract: Cigarettes are provided which contain a filtering system and flavorants encapsulated with polyvinyl acetate, wherein deactivation of a sorbent by the flavorant is reduced through the encapsulation of the flavorant within the polyvinyl acetate. A preferred flavorant is menthol. The encapsulated flavorants are prepared by mixing at least one flavorant with polyvinyl acetate and a solvent, such as ethanol, and forming the encapsulated flavorants. Methods of making cigarettes and smoking the articles are also provided.

Abstract: A cigarette paper pack includes a removal opening and a spring element comprising at least one spring. The spring element is configured to feed cigarette rolling papers in a direction of the removal opening.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic cigarette light cap and an electronic cigarette, wherein the electronic cigarette comprises cigarette holder and a cigarette pipe comprising a tube body and an electronic cigarette light cap, and the electronic cigarette light cap comprises a top cover, and a hollow and bottomless cap column perpendicularly extending along a back side of the top cover, forming an annular stage around the cap column; at least one air inlet hole is defined in a front side of the top cover, and the air inlet hole is communicating with the cap column; the air introduced from the air inlet hole gets into the atomizing passageway via the first gap, forming the airflow path. By implementing the electronic cigarette light cap and the electronic cigarette, the air flow may get retained to be unobstructed, smoking noise caused by obstructed airflow gets reduced, which improves the users' experience.

Abstract: A manufacturing method uses a main body piece formed of an elastic fabric material and having a first portion having a first end, a second portion having a second end opposite the first end, and two side ends extending between the first and second ends. A bonding material is placed in contact with the first and/or second portions, arranged in lines extending in a direction between the first and second ends. The lines are spaced from each other in a second direction extending between the side ends. The main body piece is folded so that the first portion confronts the second portion, defining a fold line, where the bonding material is positioned between the first and second portions. The folded main body piece is then heat pressed and bent so the side ends are connected together to form a band having a tubular body defining a central passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a human body protecting element for use with and attachment to an article of clothing, such as sports apparel, to protect a wearer from impact and frictional forces, such as road rash. One exemplary body protecting element includes a first part having a first locking member. The first part is for placement along an inner surface of the article of clothing. The body protecting element also includes a second part having a second locking member that is complementary to the first locking member and results in a mechanical coupling (e.g., a snap-fit attachment) between the first and second parts when the first and second locking members engage one another. The second part is for placement along an outer surface of the article of clothing and includes an outer ground contacting contoured surface.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a base component and an attachment component. The base component may be formed from a plurality of joined material elements, with at least one of the material elements including a first part of a hook-and-loop fastening system. The attachment component may include (a) a cover layer, (b) a plurality of pad elements, and (c) a plurality of securing elements. Each of the pad elements are joined to the cover layer, and each of the securing elements are joined to at least one of the pad elements opposite the cover layer, with the securing elements including a second part of the hook-and-loop fastening system. Moreover, the first part of the hook-and-loop fastening system is joinable to the second part of the hook-and-loop fastening system to secure the attachment component to the base component.

Abstract: A hospital gown including separable portions is provided. The hospital gown includes a one piece back panel, a two piece front panel, and left and right shoulder panels which cooperatively define a neck opening and left and right arm openings. The hospital gown includes an apron adapted to extend over at least a portion of the two piece front panel. The apron includes a left edge and a right edge detachably connected to the back panel or to the front panel. The shoulder panels include a plurality of fasteners to detachably connect the shoulder panels to the two piece front panel. The two piece front panel includes a right panel and a left panel and a telemetry pocket included thereon.

Abstract: The Wind Up Mitt is an ambidextrous, single hand, mitt made of a plurality of materials with a stitched-in woven belting strap, which extends longitudinally within the length of the mitt, and further extends beyond the end of the mitt, and is equipped with either a buckle or hook and loop attachments. Corresponding buckles or hook and loop attachments are loop stitched onto both sides of the mitt's exterior to facilitate hand-loop winding, binding, and storage of linear flexible material items such as, but not limited to: electrical extension cords, electrical cables, stranded wire electrical holiday lights, ropes, cords, flexible hoses, flexible tubing, cloth measuring tapes, stranded electrical wire and solid electrical wire. This device, along with the wound up linear flexible material item, may be vertically hung on a receiving peg or hook for storage, and a hook and loop closure is stitched within the mitt's hand opening to help seal the mitt's interior during storage.

Abstract: A hooded sweatshirt garment having a hood, a pocket formed near a first lateral edge of the hood, having an opening bounded by an edge, the pocket having a space sufficient to contain a facemask and an attachment for retaining an edge of the facemask to the edge of the opening; the facemask, having a free edge, and elastically reinforced upper and lower edges, and a fastener portion, the facemask being configured to protect a wearer's face from wind, and to absorb perspiration, while permitting breathing through the facemask; and a corresponding fastener formed near a second lateral edge of the hood, across the face from the first lateral edge, such that when the fastener is linked to the corresponding fastener, the facemask is stretched across the face, and then the fastener is unlinked from the corresponding fastener, the facemask may be fully inserted into the pocket.

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: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: A first and second pair of articles of footwear which may have substantially similar exterior appearances, but the internal structures are different. The first pair of articles may include a traditional sole assembly having an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The second pair of articles of footwear may include a fixed sole structure allowing for a customizable removable sole insert.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall, and a lateral side wall. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall of the cushioning component. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a functional shoe that automatically prevents a slip, the function shoe including a rotation body part fixed to an outsole of the functional shoe to rotate to a front or rear side of the functional shoe, and an anti-slip part connected to the rotation body part to contact a ground and rotating integrally with the rotation body part according to a sliding direction of the functional shoe. The anti-slip part includes a first distal end, which is sharp and is oriented to the front side of the functional shoe, and a second distal end which is sharp and is oriented to the rear side of the functional shoe.

Abstract: A removable stud or cleat assembly for footwear is provided, particularly for athletic or sports footwear. The stud or cleat assembly includes a stud having a first and second mounting structure and engagement structure located on the sole of the footwear and configured for engaging the first and second mounting structure of the stud. Engagement of the stud is achieved by aligning the first mounting structure relative to the engagement structure, temporarily deforming the second mounting structure and rotating the stud relative to the engagement structure to thereby securely engage the first and second mounting structure with the engagement structure. Disengagement of the stud from the engagement structure is achieved by biasing the second mounting structure to disengage the second mounting structure from the engagement structure and rotating the stud relative to the engagement structure to thereby disengage the first mounting structure.

Abstract: A belt and belt buckle design that opens to the front where the strap enters the belt buckle from below. The buckle is made from a single buckle member that is formed and that uses force and/or guidance from the buckle to hold the belt in place. The buckle has a hook region to support the strap of the belt and has a body passing around the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the strap.

Abstract: An accessory holder for retaining accessories around the body of a user is provided. The holder includes a circular or oval-like perimeter with a central support that divides the device into two half-moon openings. The frame of the accessory holder is made of a flexible wire that is capable of being bent or folded into a variety of configurations, whereby the form is retained throughout the day. An elastomeric or rubber coating may be applied to the frame to add to the aesthetic appeal of the device. An accessory fabric, such as a scarf, may be inserted into the half-moon shaped openings of the holder. The ends of the scarf may be looped, weaved, or otherwise secured through the accessory holder. A user may secure the scarf around the waist, neck, or other suitable part of the body with the accessory holder maintaining the desired orientation of the accessory.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle includes a buckle member, a hook, a stop member, and a latch member. The buckle member has a chamber therein, which is communicated with an opening. The latch member has a tongue plate which is inserted into the chamber through the opening. The stop member and the hook are provided in the chamber, and the latch member is not able to be detached from the buckle member because that the stop member stops the hook from moving to engage the tongue plate. By pressing a press button on the stop member, the stop member is moved to a predetermined position, and no longer stops the hook from disengaging the tongue plate. The latch member is able to be detached from the buckle member at this time.

Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener. Each of a pair of fastener element rows is a coil-shaped fastener element row made of synthetic resin. Each of fastener elements includes an engaging head section, a first leg section and a second leg section. The first and second leg sections protrude from the engaging head section and extend parallel to each other. The first leg section comes in contact with the corresponding fastener tape and the second leg section does not come in contact with the corresponding fastener tape. The first leg section is colored in a color different from those of the fastener tapes and the second leg section. The color of the first leg section is visible through a gap between the pair of fastener tapes.

Abstract: In a fastener chain, at least some warps constituting a woven fastener tape are provided with a flame retardant phosphorus-copolymerized polyester fiber and wefts constituting the same fastener tape are provided with a synthetic fiber that is not phosphorus-copolymerized and that has a higher degree of tensile strength than the flame retardant polyester fiber. With this configuration, superior flame retardancy can be stably obtained and there is no variance in the flame retardancy of the fastener chains. In the fastener chain, the heat contraction of the warp is used to improve the chain horizontal pull force, and by increasing the frictional resistance between the warp and the weft, shifting of the weave pattern of the fastener tape can be prevented. Further, the fastener chain can be provided at a low cost because of the small amount of flame retardant polyester fiber used.

Abstract: A woven fabric includes light transmissive fibers woven into the fabric to provide a visual display. The fabric may be used as a tether to releasably connect a portable electronic device to a user. The light transmissive fibers may transmit light to convey information to the user. The fabric may also be used as part of the housing of an electronic device.

Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a wearable electronic apparatus to a part of the body of an operator. The attachment device includes a support member, which includes an assembly zone on which the wearable electronic apparatus is located and an attachment element, which clamps the support member to the part of the body of the operator. Attachment/detachment structure, which is selectively releasable, is provided in association with the assembly zone in order to cooperate with corresponding attachment portions of the wearable electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A spectator celebration system includes a plurality of celebration devices, each having a belt selectively attached to a user's waist and an emblem mounted to the belt. An electronics compartment coupled to the emblem defines an interior area for holding a battery and a controller electrically connected to the battery is programmed with light and sound data. A plurality of lights in data communication with the controller is spaced apart on the belt. A speaker is operatively coupled to one of the emblem or belt and electrically connected to the controller such that the speaker emits sound data when actuated by the controller. A toggle switch is in data communication with the controller and electrically connected to the plurality of lights for manual control over light actuation. A receiver is in data communication with the controller for selectively receiving an activation signal from a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A protective cover includes a main body, a lid, and a touch unit. The main body receives a handheld electronic device. The lid is pivotally connected to the main body via a connection plate. The lid includes a touch panel. The touch unit is mounted inside the lid and the connection plate. The touch unit is configured to calculate touch track of the touch panel and transmit a touch signal to the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A case a mobile device is provided comprising an outer cover and a shell sized to contain a mobile device. The outer cover can include a first member, a second member, and a flexible member. The shell can include a back panel and a protrusion extending along a perimeter of the back panel. The shell may be reversibly attached to the second member of the outer cover.

Abstract: A hair styling iron includes a handle to which a barrel is mounted, a heating element in the barrel, a rotary drive including a motor that rotates the barrel, a control circuit including a timer, and a momentary drive switch which is user actuable and connected to the control circuit for control of the motor. Actuation of the drive switch must be maintained to operate the rotary drive. The control circuit monitors at least one change of state of the drive switch to determine a starting time, and actuates an alarm after an elapsed time measured from the starting time. The elapsed time is calculated by the control circuit in direct proportion to an angle of rotation of the barrel relative to the handle that occurs between a first actuation of the drive switch and release of the drive switch immediately following the first actuation of the drive switch.

Abstract: A hair styling tool includes a body, a cylinder extending from the body, the cylinder rotatable relative to the body, a motor for rotating the cylinder, a heater to heat the cylinder, and a styling arm pivotally attached to the body. The hair styling tool may have a generally clam shell configuration, wherein the styling arm is movable between an open position in which the styling arm is distant the cylinder and a closed position in which the styling arm is proximate to the cylinder, such as contacting the cylinder. The styling arm may also include a brush head with fixed or retractable bristles and/or a smoothing plate.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for the steam treatment of hair includes a liquid tank, and a device for supplying a steam generator with liquid having a vaporisation chamber in thermal contact with an electric heating member, the vaporisation chamber communicating with one or more openings for dispensing steam towards a lock of hair. The generator is supplied with liquid by an electric pump, and the flow rate of the steam thus generated is higher than 5 g/min, and preferably of between 10 g/min and 60 g/min.

Abstract: A liquid cosmetic container wherein the operation portion is provided on side surface of the container body 1. When the operation portion is pressed from the outside, the valve body 5 seating on the valve seat portion 6a is moved in the axial direction by the valve pressing portion 6h and seats away from the valve seat portion 6a, so that the flow path, in which the liquid cosmetic flows, is opened and then, the liquid cosmetic is supplied to the application body 4. Thus, it is not necessary to push the application body into the container 1. Further, the opening/closing of the flow path are performed by moving the valve body 5 in the axial direction by pressing the operation portions from the outside, so that the diameter of the container body 1 can be reduced, comparing with the conventional container.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a substance and a liquid includes a container having a top end opposing a bottom end. The top end comprises an opening and the bottom end defines a bottom wall. The container defines a compartment adapted to receive a substance. An upper portion of the container is adapted to be covered by a cap. The device includes a cap having a mouth for covering an upper portion of the container. The cap also includes a cavity adapted to receive a spray bottle. A spray opening on the cap allows fluid to pass through the cap. The spray bottle is adapted to be received by and held within the cavity of the cap. The spray bottle is refillable and adapted to spray a fluid through a spray hole and through the spray opening on the cap.

Abstract: A single action four point harness for a backpack that conforms to the anatomy of the wearer is provided. The backpack includes a storage section and a harness section. The harness section includes a plurality of pliable shoulder arms and a plurality of pliable waist arms that are bendable to conform to the anatomy of the wearer. The harness section also includes a buckle with a plurality of releasable fasteners. At least one fasteners is connected to each of the plurality of pliable shoulder arms and the plurality of pliable waist arms by an adjustable length strap. The buckle comprises a single release button and a plurality of individual release buttons to allow for releasing all of the fasteners from the buckle, using the single release button, or to allow for releasing individual fasteners from the buckle, using the individual release buttons.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable tether device that attaches to a hand-held electronic device and selectively replaceably attaches the hand-held electronic device to a user. The retractable and extendable tether device includes a retractor, a retainer, and a tether. The retractor replaceably attaches to the user. The retainer attaches to the hand-held electronic device. The tether retracts into, and extends from, the retractor and attaches to the retainer so as to selectively replaceably attach the hand-held electronic device to the user.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an article having MOLLE webbing thereon to a surface having no MOLLE webbing thereon comprises an intermediate panel in which is provided a plurality of slots, and on one side of which is provided a hook-and-loop fastener component for selectively attaching the panel to said surface. Straps connect the article to the panel while the fastener component connects the panel to a surface.

Abstract: A shower brush that includes an elongated handle connected to a brush head and an interchangeable and detachable cleaning attachments. The interchangeable cleaning attachments include a variety of cleaning surfaces, such as bristles, pads, and loofas and nozzles that dispense soap and water from assemblies within the shower brush. The soap dispensing assembly includes a pump mechanism that dispenses liquid soap housed within a reservoir through nozzles. The water dispensing assembly dispenses water from a faucet or showerhead through water dispensing channels and nozzles on the cleaning attachment. The water flow and pressure may be adjusted via a nozzle adjustment assembly that includes a rotatable shutter. In some embodiments, the shower brush additionally includes a wireless sound system assembly that communicates with electronic devices and plays audio through speakers positioned within the shower brush.

Abstract: A swing-triggered flashing toothbrush comprises a hollow brush handle having a movement space; a transparent patterned layer formed on the surface of the hollow brush handle and having a press button and an operable grip coupled to the press button; a control circuit board arranged inside the hollow brush handle, and a metallic ball arranged inside the operable grip. The press button controls the operable grip to hold the metallic ball or release the metallic ball to the movement space. Once the metallic ball is released, a swing movement drives the metallic ball to hit the interior of an electric-connection chute of the control circuit board. Thus, the control circuit board is triggered to control a battery assembly to power light emitting elements. Thereby, the light emitting elements project light outwards through the transparent patterned layer.

Abstract: A car snow brush includes an elongated handle with a gripping area, and bristles protruding from the elongated handle. The bristles are in the form of elongated and flat strips, which are manufactured of a plastic material, and are arranged in at least two rows such that inner larger side surfaces of the strips in one row face inner larger side surfaces of the strips in another row. The rows are separated from each other by a gap which is larger than the thickness of the strips.

Abstract: Exercise devices, and related components and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an exercise device is provided having a frame, treadmill deck and a desk. The treadmill deck is movably coupled with the frame and selectively positionable between a first position wherein a user may run or walk on the treadmill deck, and a second position wherein the deck is placed in a stored position. The deck defines a running path when in the first position. The desk may move between multiple positions, including a first position wherein the desk is placed toward a front portion of the running path, and may even be positioned over a portion of the running path (or at least over a portion of the deck), and a second position where the desk is moved out of the running path. The desk may be adjusted as to height and inclination also.

Abstract: A shoe carousel device that includes in one embodiment a base for stabilization and support, a support stem attached to the base and extending upwards therefrom at an approximate 90 degree angle, and a plurality of stackable shelves mounted on the support stem, including a discrete top shelf. The stackable shelves and top shelf are circular shaped with a raised outer tab and lighting disposed along their circumference and a relatively thin mesh surfacing. In some embodiments, the shoe carousel device also includes a foot pedal actuated motor operative to rotate the shoe carousel device.

Abstract: The invention refers to a rack module comprising a first plate on one side of the module and a second plate on the other side of the module. The planes of the plates are parallel to one another, and each of the plates comprises two holes for a fastening device, for fastening of the rack module to a rack cabinet. The holes are arranged such that they make the corners of a quadrangle. The first and second plates each comprise two oblong holes, each of the oblong holes is arranged in connection with one of the other holes such that the oblong holes are parallel with each other.

Abstract: A cabinet is mounted on a spindle, which may be secured to a slide-out shelf within the gun safe for additional storage. The cabinet includes one or more doors that hingedly open to allow access to the interior of the cabinet. Upper and lower external mounting surfaces are provided to retain a rifle for storage. An optional upper pistol support and an internal safe may also be included.

Abstract: A drawer chest system wherein the drawer rails are secure within the system via minimal bolting and merely resting on the drawer chest walls. This allows for higher drawer mobility and reduces the chances of drawers getting stuck within a chest due to clearance issues or inadequate manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, lower production price accompanies this loosened tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit and a method for assembling a mounting (1) for mounting furniture to a wall. The kit comprises a mounting part (1) having a first component (2) having a first adhesive receiving portion with double sided adhesive foam applied thereto and a second component (3) having a second receiving portion (12). The first adhesive is chosen to develop a bond very quickly to the wall. The second adhesive forms a bond more slowly but is much stronger and provides the main force for supporting the item of furniture. The first component (2) and the second component (3) are releasably mountable with respect to one another. In another aspect, the second component (3) is provided with cruciform slots (10) which can alternatively be used to fix the component to a wall using screws.