Abstract: Provided is a food or beverage composition for suppressing an expression of an interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7R) gene, including a resistant starch-rich starch satisfying the following conditions (a), (b), (c) and (d) as an active ingredient: (a) having a resistant starch content of 60% or more, as determined by the AOAC Official Method 2002.02 for measuring resistant starch, (b) having a molecular weight peak more than or equal to 6×103 and less than or equal to 4×104, (c) having a molecular weight dispersity more than or equal to 1.5 and less than or equal to 6.0, and (d) having a gelatinization enthalpy at 50° C. to 130° C. of 10 J/g or less, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry.

Abstract: A composition with an enhanced antifungal activity, which comprises peptides as a protamine hydrolysate and which is suitable for industrial application at a low cost, can be provided, by using a combination of a protamine hydrolysate and a terpene alcohol as an active ingredient of a composition having an antifungal activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition containing at least 67% by weight crude proteins, at least 5% by weight chitin, the weight percentages relating to the total weight of the composition, and 85% by weight digestible protein relative to the total weight of crude protein. The invention is also directed to a method for preparing the composition and to the uses thereof, in particular in human or animal nutrition.

Abstract: Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. A first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers and a second plurality of degradable polymeric staple fibers are blended to give a fiber mixture, wherein the staple fibers of the fiber mixture are randomly oriented. The degradable polymeric staple fibers can be treated to increase hydrophobicity. The staple fibers of the fiber mixture can then be bonded to form a fibrous bundle which can be incorporated into a filter element. Related methods and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure.

Abstract: A vaporization device is provided having a plurality of pens each having a battery, a mouthpiece, and a ventilated end. A vaporization device is also provided which is disposable having a plurality of pens, each having a vaporization chamber containing a coil, a battery, a PCB, a sensor, and a tank containing e-liquid for vaporization in the pen vaporization chamber through the coil of the pen to create a vaporization product which is mixed in a vapor port of the device through which a plurality of vaporization products are delivered to a user through the mouthpiece of the device in a single vaporization event.

Abstract: A reservoir for inhalant product used in electronic cigarettes and electronic pens is provided which incorporates a convex or conical smooth bottom wall catch basin that, combined with a dual wick design, ensures that substantially all the inhalant product is directed to the wicks for maximum consumability of the inhalant product. Therefore, regardless of how much or how little oil/liquid inhalant product is remaining in the reservoir or the position of the reservoir, it is always being directed toward at least one wick so there is substantially no unusable space in the reservoir where product can collect and not be useable.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including an air regulation ring assembly, an atomizing core assembly, and a base assembly. The air regulation ring assembly includes a mouthpiece having a fixing base and a rubber silicon ring, a first sealing ring, an air regulation ring having a fixing base, a second sealing ring. The atomizing core assembly includes a liquid barrier, a third sealing ring, a limit cover, a fourth sealing ring, a first piece of cotton, a second piece of cotton, a pair of heating wires, a fixing ring of the heating wires, a first insulating ring, and a heating wire connector. The base assembly includes a glass tube, a fifth sealing ring, a copper thread ring, a second insulating ring, and a connector.

Abstract: The present application discloses an electronic cigarette, a Bluetooth assembly thereof, and a smoking information acquisition system, the electronic cigarette comprises an electronic cigarette body; the electronic cigarette body is provided with an atomization assembly and a battery assembly, the electronic cigarette further comprises a Bluetooth assembly configured for communicating with an external terminal, two ends of the Bluetooth assembly are detachably connected with the atomization assembly and the battery assembly respectively; the Bluetooth assembly comprises a microcontroller, a Bluetooth transceiver module, a voltage detection module and a current detection module. The Bluetooth assembly obtains output power information and smoking data of a user through the microcontroller, the user knows his/her own smoking situation and can adjust an output power of the electronic cigarette conveniently through the external terminal to control the smoke amount of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including a liquid storage portion including a container configured to hold a liquid aerosol-generating substrate and defining an opening; a heater assembly extending across the opening along a plane transverse to the opening and including at least one electrically operated heating element; and a first channel defining a first flow route, a portion of the first channel being arranged with respect to the plane transverse to the opening such that at least a portion of the first channel is configured to direct air originating from outside the system to impinge against and across a surface portion of the at least one electrically operated heating element. A method for guiding an airflow in an electrically operated aerosol-generating system is also provided.

Abstract: A portable vaporization device with a removable container is disclosed. The portable vaporization device includes a heating chamber, a mouthpiece, a battery compartment, and a removable container. The heating chamber is configured to receive and heat an inhalable product to produce vapor. The mouthpiece provides an outlet for the vapor. The battery compartment includes a battery configured to supply energy for heating the inhalable product. The removable container defines a receptacle for storing the inhalable product and the removable container is removably coupleable to a first end of the battery compartment. Meanwhile, the heating chamber is coupled to a second, opposite end of the battery compartment so that the battery compartment extends between the removable container and the heating chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an oven assembly configured for use with a personal electronic vaporizer. Some versions of the oven assembly may include features such as a base, an outer wall extending from the base, a first chamber defined by the outer wall and the base, an oven element disposed in the first chamber, a second chamber defined by the oven element, and at least one opening defined by the oven element. Some versions of oven assembly may be configured to pass heated air therethrough. Some versions of oven assembly may include features such as a heating element disposed in the chamber and configured to be electrically coupled with the vaporizer when the oven assembly is disposed in an oven receiving area of the vaporizer. The heating element may be configured to heat air within the chamber.

Abstract: A hip pad is provided for decreasing a waist-to-hip ratio of a user and includes a generally elongated body having a hip portion and a thigh portion that are integrally formed with the generally elongated body. The hip pad also includes an interior surface of the hip portion that is contoured to an anatomical curvature of a hip region of the user. An interior surface of the thigh portion is contoured to the anatomical curvature of a thigh region of the user. A curved exterior surface of the hip portion is configured to decrease the waist-to-hip ratio of the user.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a brassiere (10) of the type including at least a first cup (12a) and a second cup (12b), characterized in that each cup (12a, 12b) includes a first exterior support (28) and a second interior support (30) each of which has generally the shape of a crescent, defined by a generally convex edge (32, 34) and by an opposing concave edge (36, 38), the concave edge (36) of the first support (28) being generally arranged racing the concave edge (38) of the second support (30), the first support (28) and the second support (30) exhibiting a first lower end (40) and a second lower end (42), respectively, which are crossed in a zone of support (Z1) for the breasts.

Abstract: A brassiere includes two cups attached by a central link, a lateral band affixed onto a side of each cup and terminating at a central rear hook, and a strap supporting an upper part of each cup. Each strap extends forward via an internal reinforcement edge meeting the central link and via an external reinforcement edge separate from the cup forming an upper contour of the lateral band. A support edge, starting underneath the cup, extends outwardly, rising continuously to terminate at a rear attachment point of the strap, where the support edge forms an upper contour of a support piece independent of the lateral band.

Abstract: A heating and cooling device is disclosed comprising at least one integral low voltage heating and cooling source and an efficient flexible heat distribution means having a thermal conductivity of from 375 to 4000 W/mK for distributing the heat and cool across a surface. Further aspects include thermal interface compounds to provide full thermal contact as well as the use of a phase change material to provide a long lasting heating and/or cooling effect without the use of external electrical input. Preferred applications include automotive and furniture seating heating and cooling, along with outdoor garments having distributed heating and cooling effects.

Abstract: A headband includes a length of fabric material and, attached to its inside surface, a strip of polymeric closed-cell foam material to engage the forehead or hairline of a wearer. The polymeric material has a tread pattern to resist slippage on the forehead, even under heavy perspiration.

Abstract: A lower body garment, such as athletic shorts or sweat pants for use during physical activity, comprises an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer has a waist opening and two leg openings and is made of a first material. The inner layer has a waist opening and two leg openings and is made of a second material, such as a material that is more elastic than the first material. A pocket extends from an opening in the outer layer through the inner layer to a cavity underneath the inner layer. The pocket comprises one or more panels that are attached to the inner layer in a manner so that contents in the cavity of the pocket may be compressed against the leg of a wearer by the inner layer.

Abstract: A fastener for a wig having two approximately U-shape members, each configured of a comb teeth fixed piece, and two curved elastic leg portions which extend from both ends of the comb teeth fixed piece. The two approximately U-shape members are connected to each other at a plurality of connecting points located away from each other in a direction that each of the curved elastic leg portions extends under the condition that opening portions of the approximately U-shape members face each other and the curved elastic leg portions are overlapped each other. Accordingly, both members have both a high elastic deformation capability and a high integrity. Therefore, during the operation such that the fastener for a wig are reversed by fingers, if one of the approximately U-shape members is reversed, the other approximately U-shape member is always reversed at the same time, one reversing operation is always enough.

Abstract: A retractable headgear for covering a user contact surface includes a substantially hemispherical crown (SHC), a channel, a retractable visor, and a locking element. The substantially hemispherical crown includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is proximal to the user contact surface. The channel extends from the inner surface of the SHC. The channel extends from a rear section of the SHC to a periphery of the retractable visor of the retractable headgear for accommodating a drawstring. The retractable visor extends from a front section of the SHC. The locking element is positioned at the rear section of the SHC and locks the drawstring. The retractable visor retracts from an extended position to a retracted position when the drawstring is pulled and extends from the retracted position to the extended position when the drawstring is released from the locking element.

Abstract: An adjustable fit shower cap and method of use involving a hair covering; a protective overlay around the base; and, an adjustable band that is more comfortable, more durable, larger and that better protects elaborate hairdos.

Abstract: A method of using an augmented audio enhanced perception system, comprising: tracking at least one object with at least one helmet mounted sensing unit; processing at least one of the at least one tracked object and an ambient sound by a processing unit; and, providing at least one of a synthesized audio signal and a processed ambient sound to a first user of the system using an audio interface unit, to provide information concerning the at least one object to the first user.

Abstract: A footwear for carrying a firearm includes an upper and a holster. The upper defines a cavity adapted to receive a foot. The holster is integrally formed with the upper. The holster is adapted to receive the firearm. The holster has a configuration specific to stabilizing the firearm within the holster and to the upper.

Abstract: A golf shoe sole with a pattern configured for outward, one-way rotation includes a pattern with a rotation point pattern. The rotation point pattern includes a center point tread or center cone spike, whereby the golf shoe is configured to rotate about the center point tread of the rotational pattern. The pattern can also include more than one one-way rotation patterns. Each of the one-way rotation patterns include a plurality of one-way guide blades and more than one row of parallel outward one-way rotation guide blades. The pattern can also include one or more circle blades encircling the center cone spike. The one way guide blades contain a slide side that gradually protrudes from the sole on the outward side of the blade and has a tall barb to grip the ground on the inside or stop side of the sole. The heal middle part of the sole is populated with a cone spike or center point tread surrounded by circle blades roughly the same height and mostly square on the top or ground side of the blade.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device, including a semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a bonding electrode formed on a surface of the interlayer insulating layer, and a metal film which covers an entire surface of a bonding surface including the interlayer insulating layer and the bonding electrode.

Abstract: A sole plate includes slots spaced apart from each other and extending along a longitudinal axis to define at least one interior bridge portion disposed therebetween. A lateral bridge portion is disposed between a lateral side of the sole plate and a lateral most one of the slots, and a medial bridge portion is disposed between a medial side of the sole plate and a medial most one of the slots. A stiffness controlling device is interlaced between the lateral bridge portion, the interior bridge portions, and the medial bridge portion, and is moveable within the slots, between a first position and a second position, for changing between a first bending stiffness at a specific flex angle when the stiffness controlling device is in the first position, and a second bending stiffness at the specific flex angle when the stiffness controlling device is in the second position.

Abstract: An insole comprises an insole body of a suitable thickness and softness, which comprises a metatarsal area, an arch area, and a heel area, wherein the metatarsal area has a treading portion, which is concaved and corresponded to a ball of the foot for receiving the ball of foot, and an outer supporting portion, which is extended from the treading portion toward the transverse arch to form an inclined plane and having a thickness which is more than the thickness of the treading portion. Accordingly, the soles of user's feet are adjusted inward by the insole of the present invention which is designed for adjusting the foot posture, lowering the pressure on the normal or valgus feet to keep the guide path of the stress on feet in a relaxed posture. Furthermore, the insole of the present invention is freely put in or out from the shoes, being convenient use.

Abstract: A vamp with loop protection eyelets and a manufacture method thereof are disclosed. The vamp comprises a vamp body including a middle part having a notch which functions as a shoe tongue part. The vamp body is one-piece knitted fabric or a sheet-splice-vamp. Strings are projectively fixed on the upper surface of the vamp body. Threads embroider and fix the strings on the vamp body along a path of the length direction of the strings. The strings not only form a pattern on the vamp body but also leave loops on the shoe tongue part. Loops protrude inwards from both side edges of the shoe tongue part. The vamp has ventilation and has good supportability and straightness, is not only esthetic but also can protect feet. Protection eyelets are connected very firmly and do not come off easily. The pattern with a stereoscopic visual effect is formed on the vamp.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method have a shoelace with a length defined between two ends. The shoelace is made from an elastic material that folds to join at a seam extending lengthwise along the shoelace. A hollow core is defined in the shoelace and extends along the length of the shoelace. An aglet is attached to an end of the shoelace to insert into an eyelet in a shoe. The shoelace stretches in response to tension applied to the aglet. The shoelace stretches to accommodate insertion of a foot of a wearer into the shoe. The shoelace contracts to retain a foot of a wearer in the shoe. The shoelace extends in a direction away from the shoe to loosen the shoe. The shoelace is made from a synthetic fiber material.

Abstract: A shoe that includes a sole assembly, an upper including a vamp and a tightening device. The tightening device includes keepers, a single lace having a tightening portion in a lacing path, and a blocking element having an active state for fixing a length of the tightening portion of the lace. The tightening device includes a vamp keeper provided on the vamp of the upper, as well as a tension member configured to reversibly pass the tightening portion of the lace between the lacing path and a tightening path when the blocking element is in the active state.

Abstract: A lace point includes: a thin plate adapted for use adjacent to a shoe eyelet of a shoe and adapted to receive a lace adjacent to the shoe eyelet; and at least one constricted receptacle slot defined within the thin plate, adapted to constrict the lace, and through which the lace passes in order to secure the lace fixed in place and to which the lace is thereby further deterred from movement; wherein the lace point secures a portion of a lace in a shoe, the shoe being loosely secured upon a foot of a wearer by a lace maintained in an untied, fashionable position within the shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A sport shoe includes a first lacing strip, a second lacing strip, an intermediate strip and a closing device. The closing device includes a first winder and a second winder for stressing the first lacing strip and the second lacing strip so as to bring them closer together, and an actuator unit for selectively rotating the first winder or the second winder. The first winder, the second winder and the actuator unit are rotatably supported on a single support unit. The shoe further also includes a plug-in member of the support unit on the intermediate strip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly-type ornament. The assembly-type ornament includes: a male body placed on an outer surface of a coupling object having a mounting hole formed therethrough and including an insert protruding from one surface thereof to be inserted into the mounting hole and a locking groove formed along an outer circumferential surface of the insert; and a female body placed inside the coupling object and including a holder protruding from one surface thereof and formed with an insertion hole receiving the insert and a locking protrusion formed on an inner circumferential surface of the holder to be engaged with the locking groove.

Abstract: A customizable elastic band includes a means for coupling at least one secondary component thereto, the secondary component adapted to individualize the elastic band. In one aspect of the present invention, the elastic band includes a recess adapted to receive and hold the secondary component. In a further aspect of the present invention, the secondary component includes a printed message, a design, or a combination thereof. In a still further aspect of the present invention, the secondary component includes electronic circuitry. In a still further aspect of the present invention, the system including the elastic band and the secondary component are adapted to interact with a point of sale system.

Abstract: A ring is provided. The ring includes a shank and a head extending from the shank. The head defines a gemstone pocket and includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework.

Abstract: A technique for closing garments provides a flexible line and a take-up component. The flexible line has a first end and a second end. Each end of the flexible line is coupled to a respective fastener, and each fastener is configured to attach to a respective garment portion, such as portions of a sweater, prayer shawl, scarf, or the like. The take-up component contains a segment of the flexible line and is adjustable to vary the segment's length. In this manner, a person can attach the two fasteners and adjust the take-up component to vary a degree of closure between the garment portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jewelry clasp, comprising two fastening parts, which each have, among other things, a permanent magnet. The invention further relates to the use of such a jewelry clasp as a safety closure and/or fastening system, to bracelet comprising such a jewelry clasp, and to a kit comprising at least two bracelets.

Abstract: A perfume bottle pendant, having a bottle body for containing perfume essential oil, a decorative housing sleeved on the periphery of the body, a bottle cap arranged over the body, a screw position arranged below the cap, with one end extending into the inside of the body, and a decorative cap head arranged above the cap. The bottle body and bottle cap are made from an aluminum alloy material, and a buckling portion for buckling a chain connecting device is arranged on a joint of the bottle cap and bottle body. The container is small to match with the light design of gemstones/semi-gemstones. The aluminum alloy material is stainless, free from oxidization, and suitable for injecting and storing essential oil. Since the inner-container is smaller, the screw position is lengthened to increase capacity. A metal switch buckle and a chain are added to make a functional product.

Abstract: An improved umbrella is a handheld umbrella which protects the user from the sun and inclement weather, with a switch on the handle to illuminate streaming or solid lights along the borders for decorative and safety purposes. The umbrella is able to emit a sound with the push of a button in case of emergency. The lights help a person be seen at night or in inclement weather.

Abstract: An inversion resistant umbrella. The inversion resistant umbrella is configured to minimize the likelihood of a protective canopy from turning inside out, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the umbrella. The inversion resistant umbrella comprises a canopy sized and shaped to protect a user from one or more environmental elements, such as rain. Attached to, or integrally formed from the canopy, is an inversion resistant member. The inversion resistant member, or sleeve, is configured to act as a valve to allow air to travel through the interior portion of the umbrella and out through at least a portion of the canopy. As such, when a gust of wind catches the canopy from underneath, the inversion resistant member extends upwardly and outwardly to allow for the air to pass through.

Abstract: A piece of luggage may include a garment bag, and a flexible core integrated into a first end of the garment bag, the flexible core comprising one or more interior spaces to hold items. The garment bag may be configured to be wrapped around the flexible core.

Abstract: A case (1) comprises a shell (2) and a handle (4) moveable relative to the shell between a first position for carrying the case (1) and a second position for moving the case (1) over the ground (7), wherein the second position is further from the shell (2) than the first position. In the first position, the handle (4) is positioned substantially over the centre of gravity of the case (1) when the case (1) is in an orientation for moving the case (1) over an upwardly-facing surface (7).

Abstract: A luggage system includes a first piece of luggage, a second piece of luggage, a first attachment member positioned on the first piece of luggage, and a second attachment member positioned on the second piece of luggage and adapted to couple to the first attachment member to secure the first and second pieces of luggage together, wherein the first and second attachment members are in a movable arrangement when coupled such that the first and second pieces of luggage move relative each other.

Abstract: A luggage transport system includes a first piece of luggage, a transport platform movably coupled to the first piece of luggage, and at least one additional piece of luggage supported on the transport platform, wherein the transport platform is adapted to be elevated and lowered relative the first piece of luggage.

Abstract: A protective enclosure includes a structural member, a metallic tab, and a flexible member. The structural member is configured for receiving an electronic device and includes a front opening for accessing a touchscreen of the installed electronic device. The metallic tab is affixed to one of the side portions of the structural member. The flexible member has a front panel connected to a back panel by a hinge portion that is positioned adjacent to a side portion of the structural member opposite the metallic tab. The hinge portion is configured to enable movement of the front panel between a closed position and an opened position. The front panel includes a magnetic element affixed to an edge of the front panel such that the magnetic element of the front panel contacts the metallic tab when the front panel is in both the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A smart luggage apparatus includes a case assembly with at least a stowage compartment. A smart handle assembly is mounted to a case assembly. The smart handle assembly includes a controller having a power supply and further powered by one or more battery, where one battery is located in the handle and a second battery is located in the stowage compartment. A smart luggage apparatus also includes a one or more scale that communicates with the smart handle controller and transmits the weight of the case assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method connects bags around a traveler to allow the traveler to move while carrying the bags. A first bag rests upon a shoulder of the traveler and connects to a third bag near the waist of the traveler by a strap. A second bag extends across the back of the traveler. The first bag connects to the second bag which connects to the third bag by a connector. The traveler lifts the third bag toward the first bag to extend and connect a strap between the first bag and the third bag. The three bags surround the traveler to allow the traveler to have both hands unencumbered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic refill (20) intended to be inserted in a removable manner into a housing (22) in a device (2) for treating the hair and to the associated treatment device (2). The cosmetic refill (20) comprises a body (23) that has a first wall (40) and a second wall (38) opposite the first wall (40), and at least one coupling relief (50, 52) that extends from each of the first wall (40) and the second wall (38). The coupling relief (50) on the first wall (40) is intended to cooperate with a first surface (46) of the housing (22) when the first wall (40) is introduced into the housing (22). The coupling relief (52) on the second wall (38) is intended to cooperate with a second surface (44) of the housing (22) when the refill (20) is brought into a use position by pivoting in the housing (22) about a pivot axis (B).

Abstract: A kit for illuminating the hair of a user, comprises: at least one light emitting diode emitting light at a wavelength, an optical fiber (26) coupled to the or each light emitting diode, a fastening element (22) to fasten the or each light emitting diode and/or the optical fiber to the hair of a user, The kit comprises a fluorescent material (30), the optical fiber (26) being configured to transmit the light emitted by the or each light emitting diode to the fluorescent material (30), the fluorescent material (30) being excited at the wavelength of the or each light emitting diode.

Abstract: What is presented is a multimedia system for incorporation with a consumer good. The system comprises one or more stereo speakers; a memory for the storage of one or more data files; a power supply coupled to power the one or more stereo speakers; and a switch coupled to temporarily cutoff power from said power supply to said one or more stereo speakers.