Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable alcoholic milk and/or soy protein-based drink with a pH ranging from 5.2-6.5 comprising at least one or more milk and/or soy proteins, alcohol and one or more stabilizers. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the drinks, comprising at least one or more milk and/or soy proteins, which method comprises: a) mixing at least a portion of the milk and/or soy proteins and at least a portion of the stabilizers in an aqueous medium to obtain a mixture; b) setting the pH of the mixture to 3.5-4.4; c) homogenizing the mixture obtained in step b) to obtain a homogenate; d) setting the pH of the homogenate to 5.2-6.5; and e) mixing in the alcohol and optionally a residual portion of the milk and/or soy proteins and of the stabilizers during or after one or more of steps a)-d).

Abstract: A tablet (12) of soluble coffee comprises a predetermined amount of soluble coffee powder, suitable for producing a coffee-based beverage when immersed in water or other liquid substance. The tablet is characterized in that it comprises at least one hole (14) for increasing the wettable surface area of the tablet (12). Also described is a method for preparing a beverage, associated with the tablet.

Abstract: A frozen beverage dispenser includes a housing, a hopper configured to store a beverage product, a freezing chamber, a front cover removably coupled to the housing, a refrigeration system, an auger positioned within the freezing chamber, a drive configured to rotate the auger, an air inlet formed near the bottom of the housing, a single air outlet formed near the rear and the top of the housing, a fan for drawing air through the air inlet into the interior of the housing and exhausting air from the interior of the housing through the single air outlet, a spigot fluidly coupled to the freezing chamber, the spigot including a valve and an outlet wherein with the valve in a closed position, frozen beverage does not pass through the valve and with the valve in an open position, frozen beverage passes through the valve and exits through the outlet of the spigot.

Abstract: A nutritional compositions in a compressed solid form comprising about 5 to about 35% by weight of protein, about 5 to about 50% by weight percent of fat, and about 40 to about 70% by weight percent of carbohydrate, wherein the compressed solid form is readily dissolvable in water and has a moisture level of 4 to 17%. The nutritional composition, in certain embodiments, eliminates the need for scooping powder into narrow bottles, eliminates the need for transportation of loose powders for later reconstitution, and provides more precise serving sizes to ensure proper delivery of nutrients per feeding, while remaining readily dissolvable upon contact with a liquid. The disclosure further provides process for preparing a nutritional composition in a compressed solid form comprising cooling a powdered nutritional composition, contacting the cooled powdered nutritional composition with moisture, compressing the powdered nutritional composition under pressure, and drying the nutritional composition.

Abstract: A device for making popcorn. A heating element and a fan are contained within a base housing. The base housing includes an agitator and convection unit unit having a bottom and a side portion located above the heating element and fan. The side portion includes louvers configured to allow heated air provided by operation of the heating element and fan to circulate around the agitator and convection unit and cause corn kernels added to the agitator and convection unit to be heated so as to form popcorn. A bowl surrounds the base housing such that the base housing, agitator and convection unit and bowl have a common axis. A canopy is removably mated to the base housing and is configured so that when popcorn is expelled from the agitator and convection unit, it strikes a bottom surface of the canopy and is guided into the bowl.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a product including starch ball is provided. The process includes following steps: water is stirred during heating water to average a temperature of water, and starch balls in water are stirred during heating process to uniform heat to the starch balls; a turbulent cleaning mechanism surroundingly washes the starch balls with a turbulent flow; the starch balls and a fluid-state sugar material which at least contains black sugar are mixed and heated, and an appropriate proportion of white gourd sugar ingredient is optionally added; and the starch balls are accomplished.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of decreasing the viscosity of an aqueous suspension of a water insoluble or sparingly soluble dietary fiber (compared to the viscosity of the dietary fiber alone), involving mixing the dietary fiber with water and a soluble compound (e.g., polysaccharide having a molecular weight of about 500 Da to about 1,000 kDa and a 1% solution viscosity of up to 10 mPa·s; or protein having a molecular weight of about 10 to about 500 kDa and a 1% solution viscosity of up to 10 mPa·s).

Abstract: In a method of forming a coated bag for pre-treating an item stored in the bag, a bag is provided, having a sidewall extending from a closed bottom end to an open top end and defining an interior surface of a cavity. The bag is expanded from a flattened condition to an expanded condition. At least one adhesive dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. An adhesive is applied from the at least one inserted adhesive dispenser to form an adhesive coating on the interior surface of the cavity. A particulate dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. A particulate is discharged from the inserted particulate dispenser to embed the particulate in the adhesive coating. The adhesive coating is dried to retain the embedded particulate on the interior surface of the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions that include rebaudioside D, processes to produce rebaudioside D and formulations that provide ratios of rebaudioside A to rebaudioside D to decrease the aftertaste of rebaudioside A.

Abstract: Foamed meat or fish products and methods of producing the same are provided. The methods comprise feeding a raw material comprising comminuted meat or fish and connective tissue to a dispersing apparatus. A gas is also provided to the dispersing apparatus and the dispersing apparatus operated to provide the foamed meat or fish product. The foamed meat or fish products so produced include gas bubbles having an average size of 0.1 to 7 mm.

Abstract: An electrically operated aerosol generating device is provided, including an electrical power supply; an electronic circuit board; an electrical heating element configured to receive power from the electrical power supply via the electronic circuit board; and a ground plane comprising an elongate conductive member configured to electrically couple the power supply to the electronic circuit board and the electrical heating element, and to structurally retain the power supply and plurality of components of the electrically operated aerosol generation device. There is also provided a ground plane, and a single laminar blank configured to form the ground plane. A method of assembling an electrically operated aerosol generating device is also provided.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a reservoir for an inhalable composition and a heating element and/or vibrating transducer to selectively volatilise at least some components of the composition. A power source supplies electrical power to the heater/transducer when the user inhales from the inhaler. The inhaler further comprises at least one airflow path arranged to draw air in through the inhaler as a user inhales from an inhaling end, and impinge on a plume of composition downstream of the heater/transducer at the inhaling end to reduce the mean particle size of the plume.

Abstract: Disposable electronic-cigarette cartridge; the electronic-cigarette cartridge having: a hygroscopic plug; a liquid substance which impregnates the hygroscopic plug and is vapourized in use; and a surface covering, which is located on the outside of the hygroscopic plug, completely covers the hygroscopic plug itself, is impermeable to liquids, and is permeable to gas.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and a control method thereof are provided. An electronic cigarette with a heating wire component used for producing heat, where the heating wire component comprises a heating wire having a resistance that varies with temperature; a power source used for providing the heating component with a voltage; and, a controller electrically coupled to the heating wire component and the power source and used for controlling the voltage outputted by the power source. The controller comprises a temperature detection module used for detecting the resistance of the heating wire and thus acquiring the actual temperature of the heating wire component. The temperature detection module presets an upper limit heating temperature and a lower limit heating temperature.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including a nicotine source, a lactic acid source, and a single heater configured to heat both the nicotine source and the lactic acid source. The aerosol-generating system may also include an aerosol-generating article including a cartridge having a first compartment including the nicotine source and a second compartment including the lactic acid source; and an aerosol-generating device including the single heater. The cartridge may also include a cavity configured to receive the single heater of the aerosol-generating device.

Abstract: An aerosol-forming article for use in an electrically heated aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-forming article including a mouthpiece, an aerosol-forming substrate, and a plurality of magnetic particles including a magnetic material having a Curie temperature of between 60 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius. An electrically heated aerosol-generating device for receiving the aerosol-forming article is also provided, the device including a heater element configured to heat the aerosol-forming article, an inductor, and a controller configured to measure an inductance of the inductor and to control a supply of electrical current to the heater element in response to the measured inductance.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette-based control method are provided. The electronic cigarette includes an electronic cigarette body, which is provided with multiple atomizers, a battery, a smoking switch, an input module and a microprocessor electrically connected to the input module, the smoking switch, the battery and the atomizers. Multiple electromagnetic switches are electrically connected to the microprocessor, which are arranged opposite air intake holes of the atomizers one to one and used for opening or closing corresponding air intake holes. According to a trigger signal, the microprocessor enables the battery to power a target atomizer and a target electromagnetic switch to prevent an airflow from flowing through atomizers not operating, making the airflow only flow into the target atomizer, thereby increasing air into the target atomizer, the amount of vapor to be atomized and the concentration of smoke.

Abstract: Vaporization devices and methods of operating them. In particular, described herein are vaporizer cartridges for controlling the power applied to a resistive heater.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to heat smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein the apparatus comprises a region of insulation having a core region which is evacuated to a lower pressure than an exterior of the insulation.

Abstract: A moldable collar stay device for a shirt turnover collar comprising a collar stay body and dual collar stay inserts. The shape and the length of the present device may be adjusted by fasteners which facilitate changes to the angle of the collar stay inserts and the length of the collar stay body. The device also may be shaped to accentuate the shape of a user's face. Each collar stay insert may be placed inside collar stay pockets at opposite corners of the shirt collar while the stay body lies along the exterior bounds shirt collar. The shirt wearer may adjust the device around the periphery of the collar to the desired position. Once positioned, the device will remain concealed with the collar and collar stay pockets while maintaining the ability to alter the collar shape, the collar stay length and the angle of the collar stay inserts.

Abstract: An improved design for men's underwear is described. Comfort for the wearer is increased by preventing the underwear from bunching up in the buttocks and preventing irritation of the scrotum area due to underwear seams rubbing against skin. Features that provide such comfort include a seamless crotch area made of microfiber, cotton leggings and elastic material bands attached to the back section of the underwear to prevent wedging of the underwear.

Abstract: An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise inner support cups having opposite ends being selectively attached on each breast cup, and a respective support strap being secured to each inner support cup, with a distal end of the support strap secured to an adjustment clip, which may releasably secure a portion of the shoulder strap. Adjustably securing different portions of the shoulder strap causes lifting and reconfiguring of the inner support cup to produce a desired amount of substantially vertical lifting to the woman's breast(s) in one embodiment, which is generally healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired. Alternative embodiments permit lifting as well as inward/outward displacement, and may therefore serve as a minimizer.

Abstract: An underwire for a brassiere comprises an elongate, substantially u-shaped body having a chest-engaging portion and a breast-engaging portion. The underwire is constructed from a unitary piece of plastic material. The chest-engaging portion and the breast-engaging portion are connected together along their lengths in a dogleg-shaped configuration, with, in an embodiment, an angle of between 110° and 140° with respect to each other. The breast-engaging portion has a shorter length dimension than the chest-engaging portion and thereby leaves a substantially flat chest-engaging portion at each end of the elongate body. In embodiments, these flat ends of the chest-engaging portion are rounded or thinned compared to the remainder of the chest-engaging portion. The configuration provides good support to the wearer's breast, increases comfort, and is less likely to injure than other configurations.

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: An inflation system includes a bladder incorporated into an article of outdoor gear or apparel. The bladder is incorporated into the article of outdoor gear and apparel so as to provide insulation to a user. The inflation system includes a gas canister that includes a reservoir of dry gas. A valve mechanism allows the dry gas to be used to selectively inflate and deflate the bladder to provide a desired amount of insulation.

Abstract: An apparel power system and method of using such system is disclosed. The power system provides a source of electrical energy for electrically powered accessories attached or integrated to apparel worn by the user of a vehicle without requiring the use of wires and plugs connections between the user and the vehicle. The vehicle may be a snowmobile, ATV, UTV, motorcycle, watercraft and the like. The electrical power of the vehicle is transferred from the handlebar to a glove or a wearable adaptor. Holding of the handlebar by the user creates a contact allowing electrical energy transfer from the handlebar to the glove which is subsequently transferred from the glove to accessories attached or integrated to an item of clothing such as a coat using embedded wires or overlying connection to provide the apparel with the ability to power various accessories such as heated gloves, heated vest, power visor, visibility lights, cell phone, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for creating a customized protective equipment item having improved fit. A measuring device takes measurements of a person. The measurements are sent to a computer, which has software for translating the measurements into a custom selection of standard sized components used to assemble the custom protective equipment item. An assembly process builds the completed protective equipment item which is customized to the wearer's size requirements.

Abstract: Improved personal protective equipment facial wear including, in one embodiment, an at least partly adhesive mask, and one or more adhesive eye shields. In one implementation, the mask avoids significant contact with the delicate periorbital skin of the wearer, yet provides a substantially airtight seal so as to preclude moisture vapor transfer and “fogging” of eyeware or instruments. In another implementation, adherence of the eye shield is at least partially overlapping with the mask and creates an at least partial seal around a perimeter of the eye shield. Further, an at least partial seal is formed around a perimeter of the mask. The mask and eye shield additionally prevent nasal air flow obstruction, and address the problem of skin irritation and attachment during normal facial expression and movement of the wearer.

Abstract: A post-surgical torso garment configured to be easily donned and doffed by a wearer having limited mobility through the elimination of fixed arm and neck openings. The torso garment including a single layer breathable front panel having first and second shoulder strap securement pads, and a single layer breathable back panel having first and second shoulder straps terminating in respective first and second shoulder strap fasteners configured to selectively couple to the first and second shoulder strap securement pads of the front panel, wherein the front panel and back panel are stitched together along respective first and second edges thereof to form a tubular fabric body configured to cover at least a portion of a torso of a wearer.

Abstract: A disposable medical glove is provided that includes one or more anti-contamination pockets configured to receive a stethoscope diaphragm and thereby protect it from contamination during patient examinations. Additionally, it frees the use of the user's fingers and can be used to store additional objects. In a preferred embodiment, the medical glove comprises an ambidextrous glove body having a pocket on both sides of the glove. Each pocket can be utilized in two configurations. In the first configuration, the pocket is accessed from the outside of the glove and holds the diaphragm against the palmar side of the user's hand. In the second configuration, the pocket is accessed from the inside of the glove and holds the diaphragm a distance from the user's palm, allowing the user to manipulate the diaphragm with their fingers. In an alternate embodiment, the glove has a single dual-configuration pocket on the palmar side.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf gloves having a cut out portion and methods to manufacture gloves having a cut out portion are generally described herein. Other embodiments of gloves may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to textile articles and clothing such as outdoor garments, indoor garments, and commercial protective wear exposed to contact mixtures of water and oil, swimwear and winter wear exposed to mixtures of water and air. At least part of these textile articles possess a surface provided with at least one of 1) a high surface area, 2) hierarchical pattern, 3) contact angles such that hydrophilic portion of a contact mixture possesses a high contact angle and the hydrophobic portion of a contact mixture possesses a low contact angle, and 4) hysteresis angle greater than 5 degrees. Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic contact mixtures of the present invention can be surfaces where water and or ice are present in combination with oil and or air. The textile articles of the present invention resist slippage on surfaces possessing hydrophobic/hydrophilic contact mixtures.

Abstract: A system is provided that enables a wearer to tie a dress tie so that the ends thereof are of optimum length on the first try after a short, one-time practice session. Optimum length is assumed when the tip of large end of the tie is even with the center of the wearers belt buckle. The system necessitates creation of a line of dress ties that, except for the print design on the outer shell, are essentially identical with respect to thickness, width and length. In addition, all ties in the line must employ a dimensionally-stable internal backing fabric, to prevent stretching. Identical series of equally-spaced position markers are provided on each tie in the line so that a wearer can identify a proper starting point for beginning to knot the tie. Markers are embroidered or deposited on a portion of each tie.

Abstract: A garment having an outer surface not designed for writing has at least one rewritable area comprising a layer of rewritable material deposited directly onto a selected region of the outer surface. One or more permanent artworks may be deposited onto the garment prior to deposit of the rewritable layer, which may be contiguous or non-contiguous. A stencil is provided for allowing a user to write on rewritable areas while protecting adjacent areas of the garment. In one method for forming the rewritable area, a first portion of a permanent artwork and a second portion of the permanent artwork are successively deposited on the garment, followed by curing the permanent artwork and depositing a rewritable area on the garment.

Abstract: Clothing with a protective electronic device pocket includes a protective pocket that is secured to an article of clothing. The pocket includes a main body having a plurality of surfaces that define an interior space, and a sleeve that provides access to the interior space. A connector is positioned along the sleeve and selectively positions the sleeve between an open and closed configuration. The pocket includes a three layer construction having a moisture wicking outside layer, a radiation shielding middle layer and a high grip interior layer. A device aperture is located along the pocket for ingress and egress of headphone wires.

Abstract: A pocketdf for a stretchable garment such as leggings may permit a smart phone to be used while within the pocket. A non-stretchable textile panel may permit a screen to be viewed while within the pocket and may permit touch inputs to be registered on the touchscreen. A stretchable frame may be affixed to the non-stretchable panel, and the stretchable frame may be affixed to a backing layer or directly to the stretchable garment. If provided, a backing layer may be affixed to the underlying stretchable garment.

Abstract: A magnetic apparatus has a first case and a second case for housing one or more magnets. The magnets allow the first case and the second case to releasably engage one another. Alternatively, the magnetic apparatus has a first member with a hinged end and a magnet positioned along or within its length; a second member with at least one hinged end that engages the hinge end of the first member; and a third member connected to the second member. The first member and the third member fold against the second member to releasably close a garment.

Abstract: A lingerie comprises an upper panel, a lower panel, and a signal-activated fastener. The upper panel is generally oriented horizontally and the lower panel is generally oriented vertically with respect to a wearer's body. The upper panel includes a first strap and a second strap and the lower panel includes one or more frontal straps and a back strap. The signal-activated fastener is coupled with one end of the first strap and one end of the second strap, the first ends of the one or more frontal straps are coupled with the upper panel, one end of the back strap is coupled with one the first strap and second strap, and the signal-activated fastener is responsive to a signal and operative to unfasten causing the lingerie to fall off from the wearer's body.

Abstract: A foundation cap system for attaching hair extensions, the foundation cap system including an elastomeric cap defining an outside surface and an opening into an inner chamber defined by an inside surface of the elastomeric cap; and at least one flat sewing strand extending along the outside surface to define a plurality of generally parallel strand portions over at least a portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: A reversible headwear with a reversible and size adjustable strap, and a reversible buckle mechanism. The adjustable headwear having two layered dome shaped crowns, each having a head-encircling outer edge. The dome shaped crowns are joined together only at the rib assembly of the crown members to allow individual separation and shaping of the dome shaped crowns. The outer edge of the crown members includes attachment of a reversible and size adjustable strap, with a reversible buckle mechanism.

Abstract: A helmet with an adjustable fit system is disclosed herein. The helmet includes a protective shell and the adjustable fit system. The adjustable fit system is coupled to an positioned at least partially within the protective shell. The adjustable fit system includes a frame having two cord attachment points, a cord coupled to the two cord attachment points of the frame, and a tension device releasably coupled to the cord between the two attachment points. The tensioning device is configured to adjust a distance between the two attachment points of the frame via movement of the tensioning device relative to the cord to adjust a size of the adjustable fit system. The cord may pass through the tensioning device to form a first portion between each cord attachment point and the tensioning device, and a looped second portion extending from the tensioning device away from the first portion.

Abstract: A shoe that is convertible between a high heel mode and a low heel mode. There is a rigid shank that is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the shoe between the various layers of the sole. The proximal end of the adjustable shank may be slid further under the metatarsophalangeal joints to accommodate the sweeping higher arch of a high-heeled shoe or the distal end of the adjustable shank may be slid closer to the back of the calcaneus bone to reduce the arch of the shoe. The different height heels are lockably affixed to the sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a running shoe, comprising: an outsole, which has a predetermined ball line (37), which extends from an inner ball point to an outer ball point, and a ball rocker (38), which is offset rearward toward the heel end (26) in relation to the ball line (37) by an average ball rocker distance (41); an upper; and an insole, which is arranged above the outsole and which is adhesively bonded, together with an edge of the upper, to a top side of the outsole.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: An item of footwear comprises an upper adapted to receive a foot of the wearer and having a front-end portion. An outsole forms a bottom surface of the item of footwear, the outsole being single-piece monolithic and having a concave outsole shell receiving in its outsole concavity at least part of the front-end portion. A midsole being single-piece monolithic may be in direct-attach connection between the upper and the outsole, the midsole having a concave midsole shell between the concave outsole shell and the front-end portion, the concave midsole shell receiving in its midsole concavity at least part of the front-end portion. A shock-absorbing pad may be between the concave shell and the front-end portion of the upper, the shock-absorbing pad being made of a material attenuating an impact force by at least 60% in a flat surface impact test, single drop of a 8.5 kg mass, at 1.0 m/s velocity.

Abstract: A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for securing the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a bladder that contains a fluid. The bladder has a posterior portion, an anterior portion, and a middle portion disposed between the posterior and anterior portions. The posterior portion has a heel recess that is approximately coincidental with a center of a heel of the wearer. The middle portion includes a neck chamber that extends between the posterior and anterior portions. The neck chamber is elongate and has a width that is less than both the posterior and anterior portions, and the anterior portion has a plurality of toe recesses that extend generally away from the neck chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an article of footwear, in particular, to an improved article of footwear that has a polyurethane bridge layer joining sole and upper, without having to use glue or some other bonding agent and a method of manufacturing such an article of footwear.

Abstract: A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.0.