Abstract: A method for treating a food product of vegetable origin, including the steps of pushing, by means of a pushing device, the food product within a treatment cavity. This is defined between an internal surface of a fixed hollow body, or stator, and an external surface having conical shape of a rotor, and has an inlet mouth through which the food product of vegetable origin is introduced within the same and an outlet mouth through which the treated vegetable food product exits the cavity. The treatment cavity has a size which decreases going from the inlet mouth to the outlet mouth. It is provided a rotation of the rotor within the stator about a rotation axis. The combination of the rotation and of the pushing that are carried out by the machines produce a partial crushing of the food product of vegetable origin within the treatment cavity.

Abstract: A food composition and method of making is provided, the food composition comprising a first structural food unit comprising an edible matrix encapsulating an edible substance that optionally comprises one or more thickening agents; a second structural food unit, between about 10 times and about 106 times the size of the first structural food unit, comprising an edible hydrocolloid matrix encapsulating a first visco-elastic substance, the first visco-elastic substance comprising a soft food, xanthan gum, and galactomannan and a plurality of first structural food units, and wherein an outer surface of the first visco-elastic substance substantially adheres to an inner surface of the edible hydrocolloid matrix encapsulating the first visco-elastic substance.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a breaded food product that includes the steps of: providing a solid or solidified substrate; applying a coating to the substrate to form a coated substrate; applying a crumb coating to the coated substrate to form a breaded portion; heating the breaded substrate to produce a cooked breaded portion; hermetically packaging the one or more cooked breaded portions within a flexible packaging material to produce a packaged foodstuff; and subjecting the packaged foodstuff to high pressure processing at a pressure of at least 100 MPa to produce a sterilized packaged foodstuff. The sterilized packaged foodstuff has a crumb coating that is not damaged by being subjected to the high pressure processing.

Abstract: A method for improving the moldability and 3D precision printing performance of a high-fiber dough system by adding functional carbohydrate, and belongs to the technical field of fruit-vegetable food processing. The method includes preparation of aged flour, beating and concentrating of old stalks of asparagus, beating of butter, adding functional carbohydrate to mix materials, 3D printing and the like. Baked aged flour, concentrated asparagus pulp made from the old stalks of asparagus, the butter and the functional carbohydrate are uniformly mixed, and then printed by means of a 3D printer. With carbohydrate being a major ingredient, the 3D printing materials provided contain rich dietary fibers, and can serve as basic food to provide energy for people. The precision of a printed object can be greatly improved by adjusting different printing parameters such as a nozzle diameter, a printing distance and a printing temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a homogenized tobacco material, said method comprising: pulping and refining cellulose fibres to obtain fibres having a mean size per weight comprised between about 0.2 millimetres and about 4 millimetres; grinding a blend of tobacco of one or more tobacco types to tobacco particles having a mean size per weight comprised between about 0.03 millimetres and about 0.12 millimetres; Combining the cellulose fibres with the tobacco particles and with a binder to form a slurry; homogenizing the slurry; adding asparaginase to the slurry; and—forming the homogenized to—bacco material from the slurry, wherein the homogenized tobacco material comprises from about 1 percent and about 5 percent in dry weight basis of the binder.

Abstract: A heating device for an electronic smoking apparatus has a heating element encased in a bulb so that e-liquid does not come in contact with the heating element, but rather is heated indirectly by the bulb. The heating element is in electrical communication with electrical contacts exterior of the bulb, which contacts are placed in electrical communication with a power source such as a batter. The bulb can be made of glass, quartz, or similar inert silica-based compositions. The bulb can be shaped and sized to accommodate the components of a variety of electronic smoking apparatus. The bulb includes an indentation or an external protrusion that functions as a reservoir to receive and retain inhalant material such as liquids, concentrates or herbal material.

Abstract: A dual vertical charcoal heat source that has a base with a lower heating assembly, and a cover with an upper heating assembly. Also within the base is a cavity that can maintain a tray that holds a quantity of charcoal. The cover is hingedly attached such that when closed, the cover, along with the upper heating assembly is directly above the lower heating assembly. The cavity including or not including the tray with the charcoal is below both heating assemblies. Electrical power is applied which raises the temperature of the heating assemblies. The heat from the assembles is directed downward and heats the charcoal in the cavity/tray. The heat from the charcoal is then applied to the hookah to facilitate smoking tobacco through the hookah.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a smoking apparatus and assembly that may be used with a variety of standard sized bottles, and which comprises a non-toxic, easily cleaned or disposable straw and bowl. The present disclosure allows a person to utilize common, recyclable and/or natural materials to inhale cooled/filtered smoke from burnt plant leaves in a conservative and efficient manner.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enabling smokable material to be heated to volatize at least one component of the smokable material. In one example, the apparatus has a capacitive sensor arranged to sense a change in capacitance when an article of smokable material is associated with a housing of the apparatus in use. In another example, the apparatus has a resistive sensor arranged to provide a measure of electrical resistance when an article of smokable material is associated with a housing of the apparatus in use. A combination of capacitive and resistive sensing may be used in some examples. In another example, a sensor makes use of at least two different sensing techniques. There is also provided an article of smokable material having a non-metallic electrically conductive region for detection by a sensor of an apparatus arranged to cause heating of the smokable material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette and an atomizer device and an atomizer assembly thereof. The atomizer assembly includes a connection tube and an inner core assembly arranged in the connection tube. The connection tube defines a liquid inlet hole allowing liquid solution to flow into the connection tube, and the inner core assembly comprises a heater for heating and atomizing the liquid solution flowed into the connection tube. The connection tube includes a first connection member and a second connection member detachably connected to the first connection member; and the first connection member and the second connection member defines a receiving space in which the inner core assembly is detachably arranged.

Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol-generating device is provided, including a heating assembly configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol, the assembly including a heater and a heater mount, the heater being blade-shaped, including an electrically insulating heater substrate, an electrically resistive heating element supported by the heater substrate, and a through-hole through a thickness of the heater, the heater being insertable into the aerosol-forming substrate and having a length of about 10 mm to about 60 mm, a width of about 2 mm to about 10 mm, and a thickness of about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm, the mount including a moldable material molded around a portion of the heater and extending through the through-hole to couple the heater to the mount so the mount provides structural support to the heater and is configured to allow the heater to be disposed within the device.

Abstract: An elongated aerosol-generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article is provided, including a heater extending longitudinally with respect to the device, being configured to heat the article and to penetrate an internal portion thereof; and an extractor configured to extract the article received in the device, being movably coupled to the device between operating and extraction positions, the operating position defined by the heater contacting the article, and the extraction position defined by the heater separated from the article, the extractor including a cavity to receive the article, a first aperture through an end-wall of the cavity and being configured to allow the heater to penetrate the cavity when the extractor is moved between the extraction and operating positions, wherein the extractor further defines an air-flow channel to allow air flow into the cavity, an inlet of the channel being positioned radially-outward of the first aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette temperature control system based on a joule mode, comprising a battery for driving an electronic cigarette to operate and an atomizer for heating tobacco tar inside the electronic cigarette to atomize the tobacco tar, the atomizer being hidden inside a battery case. The atomizer is connected to a temperature controller configured to control the temperature of the atomizer, and the battery, the temperature controller and the atomizer are successively and electrically connected to form an electronic cigarette temperature control system. The electronic cigarette temperature control system based on a joule mode as provided by the present invention explains the concept of the system highly accurately. The system shows controllable temperature and controllable output heat. The target temperature is controllable (by adjusting the amount of the output heat). The unit of heat is direct and accurate.

Abstract: A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes an electrical power source for re-charging a rechargeable battery in the PV; a user-replaceable reservoir for holding e-liquid; and an electrical or electronic pump adapted to transfer e-liquid from the reservoir to a chamber in the PV, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the pump is a peristaltic pump.

Abstract: A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes: a refillable PV that is removable from the case; an electrical power source for re-charging a rechargeable battery in the PV; a user-replaceable reservoir for holding e-liquid; and an electrical or electronic pump adapted to transfer e-liquid from the reservoir to a chamber in the PV, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir, and in which the case completely encloses the PV when the case is closed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a personal vaporizer system with an e-liquid reservoir isolated from the atomizer. The isolation of the e-liquid reservoir from the atomizer eliminates particles contamination of the e-liquid held in the reservoir and chemical reactions between the atomizer and the e-liquid. Since the residence time of “fresh” e-liquid in the atomizer is only the necessary to vaporize a very small amount of e-liquid, particles contamination of the produced vapor and chemical reactions between the e-liquid and atomizer components are dramatically reduced. This represents a huge health benefit for the consumer, compared to all others personal vaporizers with an e-liquid reservoir. The disclosed system can be used in any type of personal vaporizer, for example in the electronic cigarette market.

Abstract: A flavor inhaler includes: an aerosol flow path for guiding, to the mouthpiece side, an aerosol generated by an atomizing part; and an acid flow path for guiding, to the mouthpiece side, an acid discharged from an acid generating source without allowing the acid to pass through the atomizing part. The aerosol flow path includes at least a first flow path for guiding the aerosol to the mouthpiece side through a flavor inhalation component source.

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: This invention discloses a novel shirt collar in order to maximize elasticity of the collar while preserving the overall classic look of the shirt in order to accommodate a range of neck circumferences.

Abstract: A multifunctional article of clothing for babies and toddlers is presented. In an embodiment, the multifunctional baby garment comprises a one-piece bodysuit with a set of fold-over mitten cuffs and a set of fold-over foot cuffs, which enables a parent or caregiver to change the function of the garment from a romper-style playsuit into a loungewear-style sleeper. The set of mitten cuffs can fold over the baby's or toddler's hands to prevent it from scratching its face and to keep them warm, and the set of foot cuffs can fold over the baby's or toddler's feet to keep them warm so that he or she can sleep comfortably. Both the mitten cuffs and foot cuffs can be folded up and out of the way when the baby awakes and is ready for active playtime or walking, without requiring an additional wardrobe change for the transition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitor device for monitoring the closed or open state of an article, the monitor device being in the form of an electronic circuit comprising a button closure system comprising two rows of elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24) made of electrically conductive material, each element of one row being couplable and un-couplable with an element of the other row. A detector-and-signaling device is connected firstly to at least one of the elements, referred to as a “first terminal” (21), and secondly to at least one of the other elements, referred to as a “second terminal”. The detector-and-signaling device (4) is configured to detect the state of electrical continuity between the first and second terminals (21, 24), and to issue a signal as a function of said detected continuity state.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a compression garment (68) formed of a stretchable fabric (10) with a uniform, i.e. constant, elasticity but in which the compression garment provides different degrees of garment compression when worn by a wearer due to geometric cuts (6, 8) made to the fabric to form one or more fabric panels (2, 4) that extend the entire length of the circumferential portion (60) of the garment. The circumferential portion surrounds a wearer's body part (66) and includes degrees of compression that vary at different locations (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26), along the axial direction (62). The geometric cuts produce non-linear edges (6A, 6B, 8A, 8B) and are made to provide different circumferential lengths (12F, 14F, 16F, 18F, 20F, 22F, 24F, 26F) of fabric that produce desired compression levels at various axial locations, and are calculated using formulas and algorithms that take into account various factors relating to the fabric and the garment being formed.

Abstract: A garment comprising an upper bodice layer; and a lower bodice layer connected to the upper bodice layer by at least one seam and having at least one nursing access point, wherein the upper bodice provides substantially full coverage of the at least one nursing access point when the at least one access point is in a normal position. In at least one embodiment, the at least one nursing access point is an armhole in the lower bodice layer with a flexible edge. In some embodiments, the flexible edge may be lined with silicone material.

Abstract: A body impact protection system includes an inner layer and an impact force dampening and defusing structure. The inner layer includes a material composition and is adjacent to a body part when the body impact protection system is worn. The impact force dampening and defusing structure is juxtaposed to the inner layer and includes a plurality of components. The components function to reduce pressure on the body part from an impact force on a layer by layer basis. Each layer of the system dampens and defuses the impact force such that, by the time it reaches the body part, it has been substantially attenuated and spread over a large area.

Abstract: A body limb protection system includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a force dampening and defusing structure. The outer layer includes a first material composition and has an exterior surface that includes a substantially planer area. The inner layer includes a second material composition and has a shape corresponding to a body limb portion. The force dampening and defusing structure is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. The force dampening and defusing structure has a shape corresponding to a difference between the shapes of the inner and outer layers. The force dampening and defusing structure includes a plurality of components arranged to reduce pressure on the body limb portion when a force is applied to the substantially planer area.

Abstract: A suit wearable by a human user includes a torso section, two arm sections extending from an upper portion of the torso section, and two leg sections extending from a lower portion of the torso section. The suit further includes at least one seam that connects portions of the suit together and extends across a leg section, where the seam is asymmetrical in relation to a lengthwise dimension of the suit.

Abstract: The present application includes a system and method for protecting the user's clothes from food stains. The system includes a neckpiece convenient to place around the user's neck, a flexible material to attach to the neckpiece and a pair of tabs which are placed on the user to form a pocket to catch food particles. The flexible material may be detached from the neckpiece, allowing the neckpiece to be reused.

Abstract: The accessory to facilitate the grip of a tool, sport equipment or ball, comprising a sheet of shaped synthetic material, with a first surface, onto which a pressure sensitive adhesive is applied, suitable to adhere to the skin, and a second surface, opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: An apparel item for an upper torso of a wearer having a pocket structure affixed to an inner-facing surface of apparel item. The pocket structure is sized to be able to receive and store the apparel item when the apparel item is not being worn by a wearer, in what is referred to as a ‘stowed’ configuration. The apparel item may be formed from a lightweight material, such that when the apparel item is in the ‘stowed’ configuration, the apparel item may be easily carried in the hand of a wearer.

Abstract: A protective glove includes one or more fabrics coupled together into a form of a hand, with the form having a palm side and a dorsal side opposite the palm side, and protective structures disposed on the dorsal side. The protective structures include a first protective structure on the dorsal side arranged to protect at least a portion of an index finger metacarpal bone, a second protective structure on the dorsal side arranged to protect at least a portion of a thumb metacarpal bone, and a third protective structure arranged between the first protective structure and the second protective structure. The second protective structure is separate from the first protective structure, and the third protective structure is separate from the first and second protective structures. The third protective structure includes at least three protrusions spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A protective garment is disclosed herein. The protective garment includes a fingerless glove, a pocket, and a pad. The protective garment is useful for reducing pain from contacting objects after carpal tunnel surgery. The pocket of the fingerless glove covers from the middle of the palm of the hand to the wrist. A pad is inserted into the pocket which is useful for alleviating contact force against the palm of the hand of the user.

Abstract: A metallic mesh material used to form a portion of a band or securing strap for a wearable electronic device. The band may include a magnetic tab for securing a wearable device to the wrist of a user. The tab may include one or magnetic elements that are configured to engage a surface of the mesh to secure the wearable device to the wrist of a user.

Abstract: A system and method of attaching a pocket to an article of clothing or an accessory via a magnetic attachment or a bistable spring structure. The system includes a first sleeve, a first magnet, a pocket, a second sleeve, and a second magnet such that the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via a magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet. The system includes a bistable spring structure and a pocket such that the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via the bistable spring structure.

Abstract: A garment portion made primarily from a material with low-stretch characteristics, having defined stretch zones with greater flexibility is provided herein. The stretch zones have slits through the garment portion. An interior layer having higher stretch characteristics than the garment body portion is affixed to the internal surface of the garment body portion in the area of the stretch zone. The result is a garment portion that is primarily constructed with a low-stretch material that has stretch zones allowing greater flexibility.

Abstract: A garment protector for securing a pant leg to a boot so that the pant leg does not become ensnared or dirty is provided herein. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible pant leg retainer designed so that it presses the end of the pant leg against a piece of footwear, such as a boot, in a tight, secure manner. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped retainer that secures a pant leg to a boot by sliding over the pant leg and around the rear portion, heel, of the boot. Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer with decorative features that are visible from the rear or sides of the retainer. Still another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer is provided with strap attachments located on the end of each arm of the retainer.

Abstract: Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. A technique includes determining a fabric's response to a laser, capturing an initial image of a wear pattern on a garment, and processing the initial image to obtain a working image in grayscale. The working image is further processed to obtain a difference image by comparing each pixel relative to a dark reference. The difference image is converted to a laser values image by using the previously determined fabric response to the laser.

Abstract: Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. A technique includes determining a fabric's response to a laser, capturing an initial image of a wear pattern on a garment, and processing the initial image to obtain a working image in grayscale. The working image is further processed to obtain a difference image by comparing each pixel relative to a dark reference. The difference image is converted to a laser values image by using the previously determined fabric response to the laser.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a customized garment design. The method, when executed by a processor, comprises first receiving user data, generating at least one user signal, identifying a preferred garment category by analyzing the user data, retrieving related third-party data and public data, and retrieving features for the identified garment category from a database. For features associated with cuts and fabrics, preferred cut values and preferred fabric values are identified based on previously received data, and corresponding value scores computed. For other features, preferred feature values are identified, and corresponding value scores computed. One or more feature sets are generated by selecting a preferred value for each feature, where an associated feature set score is computed based on the value scores and one or more score adjustments. A customized garment design is generated by selecting a feature set with a high feature set score.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a hood adjusting mechanism for improving the fit and adjustability of a hood over a wearer's head when worn by the wearer and may include a hood portion with a generally circumferential opening, a first and second aperture, and a first and second channel. In addition, the hood adjusting mechanism may further include a first and second continuous cord that extend through the first and second channels, exit at the first and second apertures, and are releasably secured by a tightening mechanism. The hood adjusting mechanism may be included as part of an apparel item with a body portion, such as a jacket or a coat.

Abstract: A sports cap with detachable logos is provided. The sports cap may include a crown, a visor, and an interchangeable logo. The crown may include a plurality of wedge shaped panels. The visor may be connected to the crown of the cap. The logo can be securely attached in any position on the crown of the cap and can subsequently be removed and replaced with a different logo to create a different appearance for the cap.

Abstract: The described invention, Shear-Thickening Fluid Cowl for Cervical Spine Protection, is a hollow hood connected to the wearer's helmet and rear body-armor plate. It is composed of baffles and shear-thickening fluid. The hood becomes rigid upon a sufficiently high-velocity impact to the helmet and conveys the energy of the impact to the wearer's back armor plate. This prevents injury to the wearer's neck muscles, cervical spine, and brain.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam-formed double-layer shock-absorption sports helmet, including a helmet body. The helmet body includes a surface hard shell, an EPS material layer and an EPP material layer successively mounted together in a fitting manner. The surface hard shell is wrapped on an outer surface of the EPS material layer. The EPP material is wrapped on an inner surface of the EPS material layer. The EPS material layer is made of an EPS material and the EPP material layer is made of an EPP material. The present invention has good anti-hitting performance, water resistance, heat resistance and thermal insulation properties. Moreover, the EPP material layer with good shock resistance and energy absorption properties, high deformation recovery rate, and good heat resistance, oil resistance and thermal insulation properties is used. Furthermore, the EPP material layer has light weight, so that the article weight can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: An impact force dampening and defusing structure includes a plurality of components arranged in a grid array. A component has a three-dimensional geometric shape that includes an impact receiving surface area and an impact defusing surface area. The impact defusing surface area is larger than, and a distance “d” from, the impact receiving surface area. The component includes a material composition and, when an impact force strikes the impact receiving surface area of the component and the impact force dampening and defusing structure is in position to protect a body part, the component contributes to reducing pressure on the body part based on the material composition, the distance “d”, the impact receiving surface area, and the impact defusing surface area.

Abstract: A force defusing structure includes first and second plurality of spherical shaped objects. A first spherical shaped object is proximally positioned to two or more second spherical shaped objects. When a force is applied to the first spherical shaped object, the first spherical shaped object collides with the two or more second spherical shaped objects to defuse the force based on a multi-dimensional collision between the first spherical shaped object and the two or more second spherical shaped objects.

Abstract: A retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at two points of intersection. The horizontal chin strap may include a first horizontal chin strap portion, a second horizontal chin strap portion, a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first chin strap and the second chin strap, and at least one mounting strap for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The vertical chin strap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the vertical chin strap to a body of the vertical chin strap, a loop through which the vertical chin strap passes through, and at least one forward strap for affixing the forward strap to a helmet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position, wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position.

Abstract: A protective helmet including a visor attached to the external sides of the helmet shell and a catch strip running along a top portion of the visor, spanning at least a portion of the visor. The catch strip protrudes from the visor such that it can prevent a cloth helmet cover from easily sliding off the helmet. The catch strip is attached to the front side of the visor, opposite the shell, such that the catch strip is not in a field of vision of a user when wearing the helmet.

Abstract: A collapsible helmet for cyclists, the collapsible helmet comprising: at least one elongate, curved central portion adapted to extend over a crown of a user's head from front to back; and, a plurality of side portions supported either side of the at least one central portion, the plurality of side portions configured to nest substantially under the at least one central portion when in a collapsed position, and the plurality of side portions configured to form a helmet when in an operative position; and, at least one flexible strap interconnecting the plurality of side portions and the at least one central portion, wherein the at least one flexible strap limits the relative separation of the plurality of side portions in the operative position.

Abstract: Described is an upper for a shoe and a method for manufacturing such an upper and such a shoe. An upper without laces includes at least one braid portion adapted to be stretched in a longitudinal direction and at least one braid-free portion. Stretching the at least one braid portion in the longitudinal direction provides an elastic restoring force.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having color-shifting properties is provided. Color-shift properties can be generated by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed across the upper of the article of footwear. The lenticular knit structures are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. The lenticular knit structures have portions formed with different yarns. The different yarns on the portions of the lenticular knit structures generate a visual effect that changes the color of the article of footwear depending on the viewing angle.