Abstract: A food composition comprising pulverized corn germ and a fat source is described herein. The germ is derived from an isolated germ source that has not been derived from a wet milling process or extracted with organic solvent. The composition may have a paste form, which may be spreadable or flowable. The composition may include a vitamin and/or a mineral supplement, preferably from natural sources. Colorings and flavorings may be added. Cocoa may be added. The composition can be used in place of peanut butter or other spreads made with priority allergens, and thus can be used in institutional settings that have banned peanut and tree nut products. Methods of formulating the composition, as well as uses therefor, such as in confectionery, are described. The composition may be associated with health benefits.

Abstract: A method for preparing persimmon jam by using a persimmon and Prunus mume, and a packaging container for the long-term storage and convenient use thereof. The method for preparing persimmon jam by using a persimmon and Prunus mume provides storability and the specific flavor and taste of persimmon jam by adding a functional material of Prunus mume to semi-dried persimmons so as to prepare the persimmon jam, and a packaging container provides the long-term storage and convenient use.

Abstract: A method of purifying a Luo Han Guo extract includes contacting the Luo Han Guo extract with activated carbon and a macroporous polymeric adsorbent resin, an ion exchange resin, or both.

Abstract: Glucosyl Stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The compositions mainly comprise glucosyl derivatives with superior taste characteristics and can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Low-sodium salt compositions/substitutes, Modified Potassium Chlorides (MPCs) and methods of making the same. The salt compositions/substitutes preferably include NaCl, KCl and a modifier(s), preferably a cereal flour such as rice flour. A food grade acidulant is preferably included. The composition/substitute will preferably have a Na/K ratio of from about 0.1 to about 9.0, most preferably about 1.0. MPCs preferably include KCl and a modifier(s), preferably a cereal flour such as rice flour. A food grade acidulant is preferably included. The salt compositions/substitutes and MPCs are preferably made by drum drying, extrusion cooking or agglomeration procedures. The MPC is preferably blended and/or co-ground with unmodified NaCl in any desired ratio, preferably 50/50, which gives a Na/K ratio of about 1 (i.e. 20% sodium and 20% potassium), to cost-effectively provide a salt substitute without modifying the NaCl.

Abstract: Gender specific synthetic nutritional compositions for infants 4 to 8 months of age, 1 to 2 months of age, or up to 1 month of age wherein, the concentration of methionine is adapted based on that found in HM produced for an infant of the same gender and age, and nutritional systems comprising them.

Abstract: Gender specific synthetic nutritional compositions for infants 1 to 2 months of age or up to 1 month of age wherein, the concentration of lysine is adapted based on that found in HM produced for an infant of the same gender and age, and nutritional systems comprising them.

Abstract: Both dairy and non-dairy based high protein ingredient systems that are available in either a liquid or dry powder blend. These ingredient system options have been balanced to provide a rich and creamy mouthfeel which can be easily added into a wide array of products to enhance their protein and nutritional levels without creating the sandy or gritty texture that typically forms. The liquid version has already been pasteurized or asceptically packaged for easy incorporation into other liquid products such as smoothies, yogurts, puddings, jells, toppings, fillings, carbonated or still beverages such as juices of milks, ice cream mixes, frozen yogurts and frozen desserts. The powdered version is designed to be easily blended into other dry mixes, batters, baked goods, cereals, dressings, hummus products, breads, and dry dessert mixes, while liquid additive versions may be added to water, milk products such as liquid milk and yogurt, etc.

Abstract: To improve the solubility and the speed of dissolution of nutritional tablets comprising protein, fat and carbohydrates, dietary fibers are included in the nutritional tablets.

Abstract: Treating a subject with cognitive impairment can include (a) administering nutrient material such that the subject has a bodily intake of protein of less than 5 grams per day during a low-protein time period of at least 4 consecutive days; (b) administering nutrition to the subject such that the subject's bodily intake of carbohydrate constitutes at least 40 percent of the subject's bodily intake of energy during the low-protein period; wherein, during a first high-protein time period that is immediately after the low-protein period and is at least 4 consecutive days, the subject receives a daily bodily intake of protein of at least 40 grams; and repeating (a) and (b).

Abstract: A method includes a step of identifying a subject in need of diet modification; and administering a first diet to the subject for a first time period. The first diet provides 4.5 to 7 kilocalories per pound of subject for a first day and 3 to 5 kilocalories per pound of subject per day for a second to fifth day of the first diet. The first diet includes less than 30 g of sugar on the first day; less than 20 g of sugar on the second to fifth days; less than 28 g of proteins on the first day; less than 18 g of proteins on days the second to fifth days; 20 to 30 grams of monounsaturated fats on the first day; 10 to 15 grams of monounsaturated fats on the second to fifth days; and between 6 and 10 grams of polyunsaturated fats on the first day.

Abstract: A method of improving longevity and/or alleviating a symptom of aging or preventing age related diseases is provided. The method includes a step in which the subject's average and type of daily protein intake, IGF-I, and IGFBP1 levels, and risk factors for overall mortality, cancer and diabetes are determined. With respect to protein consumption, the relative amounts of protein calories from animal and plant sources are determined. A periodic normal calorie or low calorie but low protein fasting mimicking diet with frequencies of every 2 weeks to 2 months is provided to the subject if the subject's average daily protein intake level and type and/or IGF-I levels, and/or IGFBP1 levels is identified as being greater or lower than a predetermined cutoff intake/level and if the subject is younger than a predetermined age. The method is also shown to alleviate symptoms of chemotoxicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconstituted tobacco sheet having a basis weight of less than about about 230 grams per square metre and comprising tobacco stem or tobacco stalk refined fibres having an average length of at least about 200 micrometres and tobacco cast leaf material. There is further provided a method of making a reconstituted tobacco sheet, the method comprising providing tobacco stems and conditioning the tobacco stems such that their moisture content is increased to at least about 40% Oven Volatiles (OV). The tobacco stems are processed in a twin screw extruder to so as to obtain a pulp suspension having a Schop-per-Riegler index of at least about 30 degrees and comprising tobacco stem or tobacco stalk refined fibres having an average length of at least about 200 micrometres. This pulp suspension is combined with tobacco cast leaf material to obtain a slurry and a sheet is formed from this slurry.

Abstract: A tobacco material expansion method includes the steps of wetting and swelling a tobacco material by bringing the tobacco material into contact with a water vapor stream at 100 to 160° C., and drying the tobacco material by bringing the wetted swelled tobacco material into contact with a superheated water vapor stream at a temperature higher than that of the water vapor.

Abstract: A tobacco preparation method, where a tobacco material is prepared through at least one extrusion process including compressing the material with an increase in pressure and temperature and mechanically processing and abruptly flash drying the material at an extruder outlet, wherein the tobacco material includes a tobacco lamina material, where a tobacco preparation device includes a dosing conveyor and an extruder which compresses a tobacco material with an increase in pressure and temperature and mechanically process and abruptly flash dries the material at the extruder outlet, wherein the components are designated as a unit which can be modularly delimited for processing a tobacco material including a tobacco lamina material, where an arrangement of several tobacco preparation devices and a smoking article or cigarette manufacturing device includes such a device or such a device arrangement which is connected upstream of a cigarette maker or a secondary unit as a tobacco preparation module.

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain chemical compounds in tobacco materials is provided, the method including treatment of a tobacco plant or portion thereof with at least one enzyme. For example, the method may modify the content of tobacco smoke toxicant precursors in tobacco materials, which can result in a modification in toxicant production when the tobacco material is exposed to elevated temperatures. The type of tobacco plant or portion thereof treated according to the invention can be, for example, a tobacco seed, a tobacco seedling, an immature live plant, a mature live plant, a harvested plant, or a plant derivative. Smoking articles and other tobacco products including such enzyme-treated tobacco materials are also provided.

Abstract: A tobacco industry rod assembly apparatus comprising a tobacco industry rod article infeed (2) having an epicyclic drum arrangement (3) is disclosed. The tobacco industry rod article infeed (2) is configured to transfer tobacco industry rod articles towards an assembly stage.

Abstract: A smoking article assembly apparatus is disclosed. It comprises a first cutting station configured to cut a filter rod into filter segments, a tipping station configured to join the filter segments to tobacco rods so as to form a smoking article assembly, and a second cutting station configured to cut the smoking article assembly in the region of the filter segments so as to form two smoking articles.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes a casing having two chambers located sequentially within the casing. A battery and a fluid are located in the casing. A sealing element forms a partition between the chambers. A tube element is located in the second chamber, providing an air passage between the two chambers. Also included is a fiber element that transfers fluid from a fluid containing member to a heating assembly.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) incorporates a liquid release component (20), the liquid release component comprising a sustained release liquid delivery material comprising: a closed matrix structure comprising a cross-linked polymer matrix defining a plurality of domains; and a liquid composition that is trapped within the domains and is releasable from the closed matrix structure upon compression of the material. The force/displacement curve (30) obtained upon compression of the smoking article (10) at the location of the liquid release component (20) in a force/displacement test comprises a plurality of local minima (32) in the force level over a range of compression of at least 1 mm, wherein each of the local minima (32) corresponds to a reduction in the force level of at least 1 Newton.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in filters for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. The improvements, particularly but not exclusively, relate to filter capabilities and to the manufacture of such filters. In one example, a filter for a smoking article comprises a first fibrous filter material having an average fibre denier in the range 7 to 9 and a second fibrous filter material having an average fibre denier of below 7. The application also describes a filter for a smoking article comprising various other filter arrangements including absorbent and/or adsorbent materials.

Abstract: A filter rod used in manufacture of a smoking article contains: (a) a rod of filter material, and (b) a plug wrap surrounding the rod of filter material. The overlapping side edges of the plug wrap are secured together with a plug wrap adhesive and the plug wrap adhesive comprises a disintegration accelerating agent. Alternatively or in addition, the plug wrap may contain perforations.

Abstract: A portable multifunctional smoking utensil holder and kit is disclosed that may include a holder for smoking utensils that includes a lower portion; and an upper portion that is pivotably attached to the lower portion, wherein the lower portion includes a first compartment that is configured to slidably and removably receive a pipe therein for storing the pipe; a second compartment that is configured to store a leafy substance therein; and a third compartment that is open to the second compartment, the third compartment including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to slidably receive the pipe therein, the second portion including a grinding mechanism that is configured to transfer and grind substances from the second compartment into the third compartment when the grinding mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An improved size adaptable cigar splitting apparatus comprising and outer body and an inner size adapting sleeve adapted to be slidingly engaged therewith and further comprising a cutting blade for splitting the wrapper and, if present, packaging of a cigar, cigarillo or other smoking device. In a preferred embodiment, the inner size adapting sleeve may be cylindrical in shape and is removable, allowing the invention to be adapted to various sizes of smoking devices. The cigar splitter apparatus of the invention is adapted to receive smoking devices of various diameters which include all common diameters of smoking devices currently in use. The cutting blade is adapted to be removable and replaceable. The improved size adaptable cigar splitter apparatus of the invention may further comprise a lanyard tang adapted to receive a necklace, lanyard, or similar structure to facilitate ease of carrying.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to nicotine powder inhalers where the nicotine powder is delivered at air flow rates that mimic a smoking regime.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to flavoured nicotine powder inhalers where the nicotine powder is delivered at air flow rates that mimic a smoking regime.

Abstract: An atomizer and an electronic cigarette are provided. The atomizer includes: an atomizer cartridge; a liquid storage area arranged inside the atomizer cartridge; an electric heating element coiled spirally to form a plate-shape structure; and a first liquid guide cloth. The first liquid guide cloth is arranged covering an opening of the liquid storage area, and the electric heating element is laid on a side of the first liquid guide cloth away from the liquid storage area. With the first liquid guide cloth, the quantity of the cigarette liquid transferred to the electric heating element is ensured to be equable. The electric heating element is arranged along the transverse direction of the atomizer, thereby avoiding conventional problems of non-uniform smoke volume and burning-out of the liquid storage cotton due to gravity or vibration of the spiral coils.

Abstract: An electronic vaping device includes a cartomizer and a battery section. The cartomizer includes a housing, a liquid supply reservoir in the housing, a vaporizer connected to the liquid supply reservoir, a channel adjacent to the liquid supply reservoir. The liquid supply reservoir being is to store vapor precursor. The vaporizer includes a fluid-transport structure that is configured to transport the vapor precursor from the liquid supply reservoir to the channel. The battery section is configured to provide power to the vaporizer. The battery section includes a control circuit that is configured to determine a saturation level of the vapor precursor on the fluid-transport structure based on an electrical resistance of the fluid-transport structure.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a housing having a wall defining an inner space, and an inlet and an outlet providing access to the inner space, a vaporizer to produce a vapour and being located in the inner space of the housing, an electrical power device to provide electrical power to the vaporizer and being located in the inner space of the housing. The electrical power device includes a first electrical contact member being electrically connected to one of an anode and a cathode of the electrical power device, and a second electrical contact member being electrically connected to the other of the anode and the cathode of the electrical power device. The vaporizer includes a vaporizer outer surface, a third electrical contact member located on the vaporizer outer surface, and a fourth electrical contact member located on the vaporizer outer surface.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a liquid storage portion including housing holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a capillary medium. The housing has an opening. A fluid permeable heater assembly includes an arrangement of electrically conductive filaments arranged to define an air impingement surface. The fluid permeable heater assembly extends across the opening of the housing. The filament arrangement defines a filament opening allowing airflow to pass through. The capillary medium is provided in contact with the heater assembly. The capillary medium is configured to draw the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the electrically conductive filament arrangement. The capillary medium includes a capillary medium opening extending the filament opening through the capillary medium.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a liquid storage portion having a housing holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a capillary medium. The housing has an opening. A fluid permeable heater assembly includes an arrangement of electrically conductive filaments arranged to define a substantially non-planar air impingement surface. The fluid permeable heater assembly extends across the opening of the housing. The capillary medium is provided in contact with the heater assembly. The capillary medium draws the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the electrically conductive filament arrangement. The capillary medium includes a capillary medium opening allowing airflow to pass through the capillary medium.

Abstract: An electronic inhalation device comprising a power cell and a computer. The computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means. The computer is configured in use to enter a menu mode when a user activates the menu mode.

Abstract: Cartomizers (cartridges) that have a mouthpiece, a heater/vaporizer (e.g., heating element, wick), and a transparent/translucent tank (fluid reservoir) to hold the vaporizable material (typically a nicotine solution), in which the cartridge is flattened and has a window into the tank through the mouthpiece so that the liquid level is visible; the window can be an opening through the mouthpiece or it can be a notch up into the mouthpiece. A cannula (e.g., tube) runs through the tank, and connects the heater/vaporizer to an opening in the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A container for use in an electrically heated aerosol-generating device is provided, the container including a piercing area, wherein the electrically heated aerosol-generating device has a piercing element configured to pierce the piercing area; a casing; and a cap including the piercing area and a heater, the heater defining a boundary of the piercing area. An electrically heated aerosol-generating device is also provided, including a power supply; a cavity configured to receive a container; electrical contacts connected to the power supply and configured to couple the power supply to the heater of the container through electrical contacts of the container; means for piercing the piercing area of the container when the container is received in the cavity. A method of manufacturing a container including an aerosol-generating substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic cigarette including a battery connector and a vaporizer connector, wherein the battery connector comprises two recessed L-shaped grooves, and the vaporizer connector comprises two symmetrically-arranged protrusions. After the battery connector has been twist-lock connected with the vaporizer connector, the L-shaped grooves of the battery connector tightly engage with the protrusions of the vaporizer connector, positive and negative electrodes of a battery assembly are electrically connected to two electrodes of a vaporizer electrode assembly.

Abstract: The invention is related to a voice control method for an electronic cigarette and the electronic cigarette, used for performing vocal praising when a one-time smoking duration exceeds a longest one-time smoking duration. The method executes the following steps when a smoking signal is received: S1, start an atomization operation for an electronic cigarette, and time a current one-time smoking duration; S2, determine whether the current one-time smoking duration is greater than a longest one-time smoking duration recorded in the electronic cigarette, and if yes, proceed to step S3, otherwise, proceed to step S4; S3, a voice praising a user is played, and the longest one-time smoking duration is updated using the current one-time smoking duration, and the method enters step S4; S4, the method waits for the smoking signal to be received once again, and when the smoking signal is received, proceeds to step S1.

Abstract: A nonporous atomizer chamber atomizes a tobacco substance and is operable with a vaporizer. The chamber is fabricated from a nonporous material composition that is generally not permeable to water, gas, or other fluids. The nonporous material is effective for use with the chamber, where high temperatures create chemical reactions with the tobacco substance that cause absorption into the pores of a housing of the chamber. This creates undesirable toxic cumulates that leave aftertaste, off gas, and discolor in the housing. The housing atomizes the tobacco substance with a uniquely disposed heating coil. The heating coil takes three different possible positions, with each position creating a synergy with the nonporous material of the chamber to provide optimal atomization. A flat, coplanar position with a closed end of the housing prevents blockage of holes. A transverse disposition heats up efficiently. A longitudinal disposition occupies large volume area in the housing.

Abstract: Techniques for producing garments, such as socks, may use selected body yarns for certain portions of the garment, which may be substituted for different body yarns in different portions of the garments. A garment may be knit with different selected yarns for different selected areas in order to obtain desired performance benefits. Strategic placement of different body yarns may provide for an economical increase in the performance of the garment, and may also and provide multiple aesthetic options for the garment. The different body yarn materials and sizes may be selected to provide the desired performance characteristics for the different areas without the need to balance performance characteristics with a single body yarn that would otherwise be present in such areas.

Abstract: A system for addressing bra strap support that includes: a snap insert placement on each shoulder strap of a bra; and at least one snap insert placement on a back strap of the bra. The present invention also includes a method of addressing bra strap support that includes the steps of: placing a first snap insert onto a first shoulder strap of a bra; placing a second snap insert onto a second shoulder strap of the bra; and placing at least one snap insert onto a back strap of the bra.

Abstract: Aspects herein relates to a garment designed to provide an enhanced range of motion. This is accomplished by having a layered construction comprising different fabric/textile materials where the enhanced range of motion is desired. The garment in accordance with aspects herein particularly provides an enhanced range of motion for a wearer around the shoulders and arms. This enhanced range of motion may be especially beneficial when the wearer is engaged in a physically demanding activity or any activity benefitting from a wide range of movement by the wearer's arms and shoulders.

Abstract: A convertible garment is presented having an opening and a fabric insert. The opening can be releasably closed to cause the leg regions of the garment to tighten around the leg of a user. The garment may be configured for use in sports activities including bicycling and underwater diving.

Abstract: A glove for food handling has luminescent material kneaded throughout the entire area of the glove main body for food handling. The luminescent material emits light in response to ultraviolet rays so that even if a broken piece of the glove for food handling mixes in food, the broken piece can be easily found by irradiating the food with the ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet light source such as a black light.

Abstract: The present invention includes fabric bands to join protestors together. The present invention includes a first cylindrical band and a second cylindrical band. Each of the first and second cylindrical bands include an upper rim forming an opening leading into an internal portion and a lower rim forming an opening leading into the internal portion. A connector attaches the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band together so that the internal portion of the first cylindrical band is substantially parallel with the internal portion of the second cylindrical band.

Abstract: An ornamental swimsuit assembly interchanges ornamental members on a swimsuit through a snap fastening mechanism and extends colorful ribbons on to the swimsuit to enhance the visual appearance of the swimsuit. The ornamental members, such as rhinestones, are interchangeable and enhance the visual appearance of the swimsuit. A connector bracket enables straps on the swimsuit to be detachably attached to the body of the swimsuit. The assembly utilizes a snap fastening and thread mechanism to interchange the ornamental members to the swimsuit. The snap fastening mechanism involves a two-sided connection from the ribbon. The ribbon not only retains decorative caps and the ornamental members, but can also be extended in length through expander connectors to form bracelets, necklaces and other clothing types at a later date. In this manner, multiple ornamental combinations are possible between the swimsuit, the ribbon, decorative caps and the ornamental members.

Abstract: An article of clothing has an external pocket that has a concealment device embedded therein. A piece of material is attached to the surface of the pants forming a concealed container in the external pocket. A layer of filler padding and support material is situated above the aforementioned so as to provide cushion that hides a firearm carried within the container. Other embodiments teach the piece of material padding and support attached to the inner surface of the external pocket or the piece of material attached to the pants whilst the padding and support are attached to the inner surface of the external pocket.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that includes zones with a textile having a structure than changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The zones may be along a center back area and/or side areas of the apparel, and the textile may increase in air permeability when exposed to water. In some embodiments, slits are formed in the textile.

Abstract: A system for reversibly attaching a flexible substrate (e.g., a fabric panel) to another surface comprises one or more magnetic elements and one or more magnetically responsive elements. The magnetic elements and magnetically responsive elements are disposed on the flexible substrate and the surface so that they engage and produce a reversible attachment of the flexible substrate and the surface.

Abstract: A breast support garment. The breast support garment includes a first breast cup connected to a second breast cup, a connecting band having a first end connected to the first breast cup and a second end connected to the second breast cup. A first strap is connected to the first breast cup at one end and to the connecting band at a second end, and a second strap is connected to the second breast cup at one end and to the connecting band at a second end. The first and second straps extend from the first and second breast cups in a direction opposing one another and are each secured thereto at an obtuse angle with respect to the connecting band. When worn by an individual, the first and second straps are positioned over the acromion process of the scapula, thereby providing securement and comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: A cushioned device wrapped around the knot, bow and free ends of a woman's swimsuit strings (e.g., on a bikini) to eliminate pain and discomfort by preventing the knot from digging into the wearer's skin. The device is defined by a square or rectangular main body having a first side, an opposite second side, a top edge and a bottom edge. The main body includes a core formed of a foam material or other cushioning material, and an outer cover completely enclosing the core and formed of an elastic synthetic fiber, such as spandex material. The device is rolled into a sleeve around the knot, bow and string ends and is secured in place by cooperating hook and loop fasteners on the opposing sides of the main body.

Abstract: A hair extension tube release tool comprises a first half comprising a first handle and a first tool tip and a second half comprising a second handle and a second tool tip. The first half and the second half are pivotally connected. The first tool tip abuts on the second tool tip when the hair extension tube release tool is in a closed state. The first tool tip pivots away from the second tool tip when the hair extension tube release tool is in an open state. The first tool tip comprises a first half circular recess, and the second first tool tip comprises a second half circular recess. The first half circular recess and the second half circular recess form a release circle when the hair extension tube release tool is in the closed state.