Abstract: The present application relates to novel bicyclic compounds, to their use for controlling animal pests and to processes and intermediates for their preparation.

Abstract: Provided are liquid compositions comprising inactive biopesticide precursors comprising a glucosinolate concentrate, a plant material comprising a myrosinase enzyme complex, and a water soluble polyol. Further provided are methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: A termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces palatable to termites embedded within a water resistant polyurethane foam matrix. Another termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces embedded within a water-absorbent polyurethane foam matrix. Yet another termite bait includes at least one cellulosic food material piece encapsulated within a water resistant polyurethane foam coating. Such termite baits can be used alone or in a monitoring device or other termite control device. Another termite control device includes a container, a cellulosic food material within the container and a water resistant polyurethane foam positioned to separate the food material from its environment. The container can contain a termite bait as described above or can include a chamber containing a cellulosic food material and at least one pocket containing a polyurethane foam barrier to reduce intrusion of water through the pocket to the food material.

Abstract: Disclosed are biocide compositions. The compositions are useful in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions, particularly in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm.

Abstract: A cereal flour composition is made by subjecting a mixture to a heating treatment, the mixture including: a cereal flour; and 0.2-10 parts by mass of an emulsifier with respect to 100 parts by mass of the cereal flour. Preferably, the emulsifier is a monoglycerol fatty acid ester or lecithin. Preferably, the heating treatment is performed for 2 seconds to 3 minutes at a mixture temperature of 80 to 120° C. Preferably, the heating treatment is a heat-moisture treatment using saturated water vapor. A process for producing the cereal flour composition involves a heating step of directly applying saturated water vapor to the mixture including a cereal flour and an emulsifier, and heating the mixture, wherein the heating step is performed by using a production device including: a transporting path that transports an introduced raw material to an outlet; and a mechanism that introduces saturated water vapor into the transporting path.

Abstract: A shrimp processing machine includes an adjustable cutting assembly and an adjustable meat picking assembly. The adjustable cutting assembly is adapted to adjust between a first configuration that forms a cut having a first length on a shrimp and a second configuration that forms a cut having a second length on the shrimp. The adjustable cutting assembly is further adapted to adjust between a first position that forms a cut having a first depth on the shrimp and a second position that forms a cut having a second depth on the shrimp. The adjustable meat picking assembly is adapted to rotatably adjust when a meat picker contacts the shrimp to remove shrimp meat from a shrimp shell.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a fermented milk product in which a stabilizing additive is introduced before fermentation. The methods generally include (1) combining milk and pectin to form a mixture, (2) heat treating the mixture, and (3) fermenting the mixture. In some embodiments, the methods further include combining the milk and pectin with a low acyl gellan gum. The methods also may include homogenizing the mixture before heat treating the mixture and/or after fermenting the mixture. Also provided in embodiments herein are fermented milk products.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide: a soy milk having a pleasant flavor and suppressed soybean odor, raw smell, astringency, and so forth; and a method for producing the soy milk. Specifically, provided are: the soy milk; a soy-milk flavor improver containing, as an active ingredient, a triacylglycerol having a medium-chain fatty acid with 6 to 12 carbon atoms as a constituent fatty acid; an improved soy milk containing a soy milk and the soy-milk flavor improver; and a food and a drink containing the improved soy milk. A method for producing the improved soy milk is also provided.

Abstract: Emulsifying salt-free, process cheese and methods of preparing such emulsifying salt-free, process cheese are described herein obtained from blends of sheared and non-sheared amounts of fat in order to form a cheese product with a unique bimodal particle size distribution. The methods and cheese achieve fat-to-protein stabilities in a processed cheese that offers both good meltability and low oiling-off during heating without emulsifying salts.

Abstract: Provided are methods of removing contaminants from cocoa beans, reducing free fatty acids in cocoa butter of the cocoa beans or a combination thereof. The methods are accomplished by use of a pre-washing solution placed in contact with the cocoa beans. Cocoa products produced by such methods and systems for performing such methods on cocoa beans are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unit (1) for dosing a confectionery mass includes a base body (2), a dosing chamber (26) for containing a confectionery mass and a rotary piston (3) being reversingly driven to alternatingly fill the dosing chamber (26) with confectionery mass and to remove confectionery mass from the dosing chamber (26). The rotary piston (3) has a filling cycle for filling the dosing chamber (26) with confectionery mass during which it is rotatingly driven in a first direction of rotation (28). The rotary piston (3) has a removing cycle for removing the confectionery mass from the dosing chamber (26) during which it is rotatingly driven in a second direction of rotation (29) being opposite to the first direction of rotation (28). The filling cycle and the removing cycle form one complete working cycle.

Abstract: A fresh pasta capable of providing a cooked pasta having a smooth surface appearance and a hard and elastic texture comparable to boiled dry pasta. A method for manufacturing a fresh pasta comprising extruding, at a pressure of 80 kgf/cm2 to 200 kgf/cm2 to form noodles, a dough obtained by kneading a raw material flour comprising a wheat flour of hexaploid wheat group and having a gluten index of 45 to 100.

Abstract: Provided is an enzymatic process that hydrolyzes spinach plant material to form a salt-enhancing ingredient, the formed salt-enhancing ingredient, food products comprising said salt-enhancing ingredient and a method of enhancing the salty taste of food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral nutritional composition with which the labor of administering water between meals can be saved. The enteral nutritional composition comprises proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, with the calories per ml of the composition being less than 1 kcal and the moisture content being 30 percent by mass or more.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treatment of a particulate material employs a conveyor belt for supporting the particulate material for transport and a source of gas for delivery through the conveyor belt to fluidize the particulate material. A gas distribution system is used for controlling the gas flow to create regions of greater and lesser fluidization. This approach avoids the use of mechanical agitation of the conveyor belt which improves efficiency and reliability. The apparatus and method find particular application in the handling of particulate foodstuffs in bulk when treatment such as freezing, heating, or blanching of individual food particles is required.

Abstract: An enhanced sweetener made from granules of a carrier, such as sucrose, embedded with molecules of a high potency sweetener, such as stevia extract. The process for making the enhanced sweetener involves dissolving the high potency sweetener in warmed water and mixing the resulting solution with the heated carrier. The resulting slurry is then dried, optionally under reduced pressure. The apparatus for producing the enhanced sweetener includes one or more heated agitators connected to a heated, airtight blender, which can be evacuated with a vacuum pump. The result is an enhanced sweetener with a homogenous distribution of high potency ingredients that retains the functionalities of sugar necessary for food preparation, improves the spreading of the sweetness throughout the food, and reduces aftertastes. Other high potency ingredients and carriers may also be used in the process.

Abstract: The apparatus for combining tobacco sheets (3, 4) comprises a first shaft for carrying a first bobbin (30) of tobacco sheet (3) and a second shaft for carrying a second bobbin (40) of tobacco sheet (4). The apparatus also comprises a splicing unit (2) for combining an end portion of tobacco sheet from the first bobbin (30) to a head portion of tobacco sheet from the second bobbin. The splicing unit comprises a cutting device (20) for cutting the tobacco sheets such as to provide complementary cuts to the tobacco sheets (3) from the first bobbin and from the second bobbin (4), a dispensing device (23) for dispensing water to at least one of the tobacco sheets (3, 4), and a combining device (24) for applying force onto the tobacco sheets thereby producing a spliced tobacco sheet.

Abstract: Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. The two or more fibrous inputs are provided in the form of staple fibers, which are at least partially entangled with each other to form a mixed fiber sliver. The mixed fiber sliver includes a first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers blended with a second plurality of staple fibers comprising a polymeric material different from the first plurality of staple fibers, such as staple fibers of a degradable polymeric material. The entangled fibers of the mixed fiber sliver may be sufficiently separated from one another such that blooming operations typically required in filter element production may not be necessary prior to incorporating the mixed fiber sliver into a filter element. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hookah with a stem base bifurcated into two sections. A first section permits attachment to wet smoke outlets for smoke, the second section permits pressure release. A bifurcation wall creates an ideal airflow for purging the stem base.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.

Abstract: An electronic smoking system (50) is disclose that comprises a mobile telephone (52) having a carrying case (152) and an electronic smoking apparatus (100) that fits within the carrying case.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette device having a disposable tank are described. The disposable tank may have a sealed liquid chamber, an atomizer element and a tank well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-layered design for an article of apparel such as swimwear. In particular, at least one layer may include a stretch resistant matrix made of a thermoplastic polymer, a silicone or other similar material to provide additional support and modesty to certain areas of the apparel, such as the bust area. Further, a method of manufacturing the article of apparel is also disclosed. According to aspects described herein, the layers may be integrated using techniques to increase the overall integrity of the apparel.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing tension in garments for improving privacy control by the wearer. The apparatus incorporates materials having elastomeric properties which may be placed in proximity to a wearer's crotch during operation. The tension is directed to preventing, concealing and/or obfuscating the curvature or shape of private features of the wearer, such as a woman's labia, from visibility through the garment. The apparatus may include one or more components providing tension for privacy control. The apparatus may include angled seams to obfuscate a woman's private features.

Abstract: An encased wire for a garment includes a wire with first and second ends and a casing surrounding the wire. The casing includes a first fabric ribbon woven from a polyamide that resists penetration by at least one of the ends of the wire. The casing has a first edge, a second edge, and a first, stitched seam disposed adjacent to the first edge to close the casing, thereby containing the wire. The casing may be a single layer construction or a multi-layer construction. Selected regions of the casing resist penetration by the wire. Other selected regions provide increased comfort to the wearer. A sewing machine and a method of manufacture of the casing also are provided.

Abstract: The head and neck support system includes a pair of rods, a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a pad having an attachment device, a first surface and a second surface. The pad wraps around the frame so as to form a loop to hold the head of a user against the second surface. The pad can have an eye mask or face mask section for a resting or sleeping position for the user. The lower portion of the frame is aligned with the back of the user so that the weight of the user stabilizes the frame. The rods connect the lower portion and the upper portion of the frame so that stabilization from the back of the user supports the pad and head of the user.

Abstract: Sensor module for sensing forces to the head of an individual and wirelessly transmitting signals corresponding thereto for analysis, tracking and/or reporting the sensed forces.

Abstract: A unitary garment heating device that integrates with a garment to provide uniform heat throughout the garment. The device includes a plurality of nodes that position on various areas of the garment to distribute the heat. The nodes are fabricated from a conductive metallic yarn. A continuous conduit having no junctions carries current for generating heat, and connects the nodes to form a unitary heating device. The conduit is fabricated from the same material as the nodes, thereby forming a unitary device. The lack of junctions on the conduit helps eliminate problems such as shorts, and moisture exposure form rain or sweat. The conduit runs in a series circuitry to minimize shorts and arcing. The conduit is covered with a laminate and urethane to inhibit contact with moisture. A communication apparatus, such as a smart phone, monitors and regulates the temperature. A power supply and microprocessor are also attached.

Abstract: A speed eyelash extender comprising: a pad detaching and attaching part attached to or detached from a first finishing projection and a first seating pad at one side of a first supporting part and attached to or detached from a second finishing projection and a second seating pad at one side of a second supporting part, such that the first seating pad and the second seating pad are attached to or detached from the first supporting part and the second supporting part. Further, the speed eyelash extender according to the present invention further comprises: a first hook formed in the first finishing step at the other side of the first supporting part, a second hook formed in the second finishing step at the other side of the second supporting part, and a detaching and attaching hook attached to and detached from the first hook or the second hook and connected to a connection string.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional electronic mannequin includes the following steps. First, measured data are provided. Subsequently, mannequin central axes are calculated. Inclination angle of the central axes are also calculated. A plurality of coordinate values of each human circumference line are calculated. At least one human orientation parameter of the three-dimensional electronic mannequin is adjusted. The adjusted three-dimensional electronic mannequin is displayed. The human orientation parameter includes a central axis of the neck part, a central axis of the side neck armpit part, a central axis of the armpit waist part and a central axis of the waist gluteal fold part.

Abstract: A fabric folding machine contains: a body and a limiter. The body includes an external housing, an internal housing, and a connection portion. The external housing has a first peripheral fence, a second peripheral fence, and two third peripheral fences, wherein the internal housing is disposed in the external housing, and between the external housing and the internal housing is defined a through hole which has a first segment and a second segment, a height of the first segment is more than that of the second segment, and a width of the internal housing gradually decreases from the first segment to the second segment. The first peripheral fence has a first orifice defined, and the second peripheral fence has a second orifice and two guiding apertures. The limiter includes a sheet and a protrusion, and the sheet has two openings defined thereon.

Abstract: A video recording system for a head safety device includes a microcontroller and an accelerometer mounted in the head safety device. The accelerometer is coupled to the microcontroller. A plurality of camera modules are mounted on the head safety device and coupled to the microcontroller. The camera modules are positioned facing outward to obtain images at different angles of an environment surrounding the head safety device. The microcontroller receives data from the accelerometer and automatically initiates video recording with the camera modules when movement of the head safety device, as sensed using the accelerometer, reaches or exceeds a selected movement threshold.

Abstract: A helmet can comprise an upper-body and a lower-body nested within the upper-body. An opening can be formed within a front portion of the helmet and disposed between an outer surface of the upper-body and an inner surface of the lower-body. A first magnet can be encased within the upper-body or the lower-body and adjacent the opening. A shield can comprise a shield mount and a second magnet coupled to the shield mount that is sized to fit within the opening and to be releasably coupled to the first magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet can be self-aligned in direct alignment with eyes of a user. A third magnet can be disposed above the first magnet and aligned with the second magnet on an outer surface of the helmet out of sight from eyes of the user.

Abstract: A football helmet with shell, faceguard, padding and comfort liner system, has replaceable nose bumpers for connecting a top center of the faceguard to the shell, button and keyhole connectors connecting the liner to an inner surface of the padding and T-nut connectors for connecting the padding to an inner surface of the shell. Front portions of the comfort liner have harder foam cushions than other portions of the liner to improve impact absorption. Selected areas of the padding system contain pads with inner and outer molded thermoplastic urethane parts of different durometer, each including a sheet with plural alternating hollow protrusions. The faceguard has an upper bar with raised ends above a lower edge of the front portion of the shell that form a face opening and on either side of the nose bumper.

Abstract: Electrically conductive vulcanized epoxidized natural rubber [ENR]-carbon black blends can be produced by using either internal mechanical mixing method or open milling method. These two methods are commercially friendly due to their practicability and high production rate. The addition of vulcanization system, either sulfur or peroxide type does not affect the electrical properties of the vulcanized blends. All vulcanized blends prepared in this innovation show useful electrical properties with electrical volume resistances as low as the order of 101 ohms. All these vulcanized blends also exhibit good mechanical properties with tensile strengths up to 26.0 MPa and Dunlop rebound resiliencies of 14.0% (i.e. high damping property). The black color level of all these vulcanized blends is adjustable. As a result of good electrical and mechanical properties (especially high damping property), they have good potential to be used for antistatic footwear manufacturing and application.

Abstract: A boot including a bow-shaped structure is disclosed to prevent water entry from the mouth of the boot. The boot generally includes a sole, an upper portion attached to the sole, a foot portion, a leg portion, and a bow-shaped structure on the front and sides of the leg portion. The edge of the bow-shaped structure tapers up towards the front of the leg portion. The bow part of the bow-shaped structure preferably project outwards 1.75 inches from the surface of the leg portion. While walking in deep water, the bow-shaped structure breaks the upward movement of the water and pushes it back down. The bow-shaped structure is molded onto the boot during the manufacturing of the boot. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bow-shaped structure that can be attached to leg portion of a boot is provided.

Abstract: A skate having a skate boot with a non-lasted boot shell, the shell having a first non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell and a second non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell, the second sub-shell being interior to and adjoining the first sub-shell, the first sub-shell comprising a first material having a first density and the second sub-shell comprising a second material having a second density, the second density being less than the first density, the shell being shaped so as to have a heel portion, an ankle portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, and a sole portion; and a ground-engaging assembly disposed on an underside of the skate. Additional sub-shells are possible. Methods of manufacturing the skate boot shell, including molding and build-up, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomer composition includes guayule rubber and a butadiene rubber, with at least about 5 phr guayule rubber based on 100 phr elastomer. The cured rubber has a higher coefficient of friction as compared to a cured rubber of the same formulation except using Hevea rubber rather than guayule rubber.

Abstract: A sole structure and an article of footwear that includes an upper midsole component, a lower midsole component, and a plate. The lower midsole component includes a raised portion that acts as a fulcrum or pivot point. The raised portion may be attached to the plate. The plate may be able to pivot in response to forces on the lateral side and the medial side.

Abstract: Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

Abstract: A footwear insole system for use with an article of footwear including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured to an article of footwear or the insole system may be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from an article of footwear by a user.

Abstract: Textile Components, such as upper members for articles of footwear, include: (a) a first portion having a first edge, wherein the first edge includes a first portion of material engaged with a first seam support material via a first thermoplastic material; (b) a second portion having a second edge, wherein the second edge includes a second portion of material engaged with a second seam support material via a second thermoplastic material; and (c) structure to engage the first and second edges in an abutting edge joint (such as a zig-zag stitch). The resulting textile components may be lightweight and breathable (e.g., due to use of lightweight upper fabric), having a comfortable fit (e.g., due to the abutting edge joint), while still providing a strong, stable, and durable construction (e.g., due to the presence of the seam support member(s)).

Abstract: A catch for attachment to an elongated member and to control movement of the elongated member. The catch generally includes a body with one or more channels, a locking member positioned in the body in proximity to the channel, and a release member to control an extent of movement of the locking member. The catch provides for attachment to the elongated member to adjust its length. The catch is adjustable to provide for movement of the elongated member through the channel.

Abstract: A shoe garter configured and designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe garter device comprises a flexible strap with fastening means to secure the shoe garter about the shoe and foot of the wearer. The shoe garter device further comprises gripping member on the inner side for frictionally securing the garter to a shoe. The shoe garter may also be adapted and configured to comprise one or more designs, decorative elements, and/or indicia, for varying the decorative appearance and providing different styles to the shoe garter. Typically, the fastening means may comprise hook and loop type fasteners.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper, a sole, and a removable cleat member. The sole may include at least one base member disposed in the sole, the base member including a fastener receiving portion, the fastener receiving portion may include at least one female thread. The cleat member may include a cleat body having a ground-engaging end and an opposite fastening end. A fastening portion is configured to extend from the fastening end of the cleat body. The fastening portion may engage with the fastener receiving portion of the base member, the fastening portion including a post and the thread including a draft angle. The thread of the cleat member may be configured to engage with the female thread of the base member.

Abstract: A belt buckle for a plug-in tongue of a vehicle seat belt. The buckle includes a holding mechanism for holding an inserted plug-in tongue and with a belt buckle housing which includes a first shell part and a second shell part locked onto the first shell part. The buckle includes a rod-shaped latch element that is mounted on the first shell part. The latch element is pushed along its longitudinal direction into a latch receiver of the second shell part and is held there by means of at least one pair of latching fins. The latching fins on opposite sides of the latch element each bear at an angle on a latch edge, formed on the surface of the latch element, and prevent a withdrawal of the latch element from the latch receiver counter to the insertion direction.

Abstract: A thin garment closure includes a male member with a bar having a ball on at least one end and a female member having a trough shaped complementary to the bar. The bar is positionable in the trough when the male and female members in a substantially transverse orientation, and when one member is rotated so that both members are substantially coplanar the closure is closed. The male and female members each have a flat surface which contacts the flat surface of the mating member when the closure is closed, enabling a thin and narrow closure. In an embodiment, the trough has sidewalls which guide the bar into position in the trough for improved manipulation of the closure. In another embodiment, a detent resists decoupling of the closure while allowing coupling over a range of insertion angles.

Abstract: A locking slider assembly includes a slider comprising a slot. The assembly includes a rail slidably inserted through the slot of the slider, the rail having at least one tooth movable between an extended state in which the tooth prevents the slot from moving in at least one direction along the rail, and a retracted state in which the slot can slide past the at least one tooth.

Abstract: A tool is provided that includes a plurality of links including at least three links movably interconnected to one another to form at least a portion of a wearable accessory, such as a bracelet. The plurality of links are articulatable so as to alternately assume a first configuration in which the plurality of links extend linearly, a second configuration in which the plurality of links are curved about an axis in a first direction and a third configuration in which the plurality of links are curved about the axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The plurality of links are configured to permit limited motion in a direction parallel to the axis prior to becoming structurally rigid. At least one link includes at least one tool function. A clasp and a receiver are also provided to facilitate the functionality and versatility of the resulting wearable accessory.